There was welcome news for Rochfortbridge residents at last week’s Kilbeggan area meeting, with the news that a playground and other amenities are to be up and running in the village in the coming months.
The amenity plan for the village, which is set to cost over €110,000, was lauded by councillors at last week’s Kilbeggan area meeting, with the project being described as a ‘flagship’ development.
The council is planning to locate a playground on an open space at the eastern end of the village, along with amenity works including landscaping along with new benches, paths, fences, and low stone walls.
Director of services Barry Kehoe explained that funding for the scheme would be provided primarily through Westmeath Community Development.
“This is a fairly substantial amenity scheme. The cost of the playground will be €60,000, which has gone out to tender, and the rest of the works will cost €53,000. There is substantial community involvement, and application will be made through Rochfortbridge Tidy Towns to the Westmeath Community Development group. If successful they will receive 75 per cent of the funding, Westmeath County Council will provide 20 per cent, and the remaining 5 per cent, which we understand is available, will come from the local community group.
“It is hoped the work will be underway by the summer,” he added.
Welcoming the news, Cllr Colin Arthur said it was a worthy project which will be well utilised. “All the people of the village can call it their own, and it will be a uniting force in the village,” he said.
Cllr Gerry Corcoran said the project “will enhance Rochfortbridge and make the village a flagship to be looked at for the future”.
