Almost half a million euro has been released to develop a town park in Moate, it was revealed this week (October 22 ).
Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan, approved a grant to Westmeath Community Development for €474,221 towards the 8.33ha (20.6 acre ) amenity.
The total project is costed at €638,183, and will be situated in the former cowpark on the Athlone side of town.
The proposed development will consist of a series of paths, a playground, a wetland reserve covering 3 hectares (7.8 acres ), 5 hectares (12.5 acres ) of parkland planted with native species, and a bird hide.
“This project will be of immense benefit to Moate, and the ethos of the park will focus on ecological development, nature awareness, biodiversity,” said the Minister.
“It will be a valuable amenity resource from an educational as well as recreational standpoint. I know it will improve the quality of life and will strengthen the social and economic fabric for all the area’s inhabitants.”
The design of the park will also allow disabled ease of access and engagement with all of its facilities, and its approval has been welcomed by local Fine Gael TD, Nicky McFadden.
