The council is to explore how much it would cost to construct a permanent bandstand at Burgess Park in Athlone.
A motion was raised at this month’s meeting of the Athlone Municipal District by local Independent councillor, Michael O’Brien, calling for the bandstand to be built.
Cllr O’Brien told the meeting that he has been approached by local musicians on a number of occasions in the recent past about the possibility of providing such a facility for the locality.
He added that Burgess Park is the ideal location for the bandstand, which could be used for concerts and by local bands, and also for shelter by people using the park during bad weather.
In his response to Cllr O’Brien, director of services Barry Kehoe said he considered the plan to be both “valuable and attractive”. However, he added that it is important to approach the project sensibly, giving lots of consideration to the design and location of the bandstand, as well as communicating with all local stakeholders.
Mayor of Athlone, Aengus O’Rourke commended Cllr O’Brien for what he said is a “noble and novel” idea. However, Mayor O’Rourke said he would like to see a local group take responsibility for the bandstand once completed. The group would be responsible for promoting the bandstand and liaising with local groups to ensure it is utilised.
Mr Kehoe said that the council will now undertake a costing to see how much the project would cost if undertaken.
