Transport Minister Shane Ross is to meet a delegation of Athlone councillors in Dublin on October 19 in relation to the ongoing dispute with CIE regarding the purchase of the Railway Field.
The news was confirmed by Independent Deputy for Longford-Westmeath, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, last Friday, October 7.
Deputy Moran said he has arranged the meeting in Minister Ross’s office in Dublin on October 19 where he will meet local councillors and the director of services, Barry Keogh.
“I have spoken with Minister Ross on several occasions in recent weeks in relation to this issue and given its importance to the people of Athlone, both the Minister and I felt that the best way forward here was to arrange a meeting in his office so that it can be discussed at length,” he said.
Deputy Moran added that while Minister Ross was in Ballymahon last Friday, where councillors had hoped to meet with him, he felt a rushed meeting with the Minister “would not adequately address the importance of the issue”.
“It is important that more time is given to discuss the matter with the Minister, and I know he is very happy to meet with the councillors and executive officials at this planned meeting on October 19 next,” he concluded.
