Local Green Party Councillor, Louise Heavin, has reiterated her desire to maintain and develop public spaces within Athlone.
Speaking this week, Cllr Heavin, stated that her attention had been drawn to a ‘For Sale’ sign (since removed ) along the popular Golden Mile/Ranelagh Way walkway along the banks of the River Shannon which afforded her much cause for concern.
“My attention was drawn to this ‘for sale’ and I then visited website advertising the sale which indicated that a substantial portion of the land adjacent to the former Gentex site was on the market for purchase.
“I was greatly puzzled by this development as my understanding is that this land is owned by the Council, is currently zoned as open space in the town development plan and is of great natural and architectural heritage value.
“I sought clarification from the Council Executive who confirmed the land was leased by the Industrial Development Agency to Westmeath County Council for a period of 999 years and the local authority is now 15 years into that lease.
“The mystery deepened when the ‘For Sale’ sign was removed on the following day and the auctioneer’s website indicated the item was no longer available.
“This development has caused some disquiet among local users of this spectacular Shannonside walkway with community members expressing the wish that the area remain in Council control and the natural site remain as is, or with minimal public park modifications.
“I agree with the idea that this land should be a natural amenity area and a biodiversity sanctuary for this part of town. The area at the moment is an important public/ natural area within Athlone, it supports ecological biodiversity and, as the pandemic has shown us, the need for public spaces within Athlone is very important.
“Another factor to consider is the dearth of publicly maintain parkland on the Connaught side of Athlone when compared to the Leinster side.
“With this in mind I will be seeking that the Council confirm their commitment to develop this area into an accessible amenity space.
“If anyone wishes to support this, contact me on [email protected],” Cllr Heavin asserted.
