Stadium deal is interesting development

The Westmeath Independent reveals this week that a mystery backer has completely wiped out all remaining debts in relation to the construction of the club's stadium in Lissywoollen, which opened in 2007. The backer has contributed over €500,000 to wipe out the stadium debt, and if he was to go public would rightly be applauded for such an act of generosity. The anonymous local investor has become the majority shareholder of Athlone Town Stadium Ltd, and there have already been assurances from the Stadium Committee that the investor's intentions are open, and that he has no plans to do anything unexpected with the stadium. His intention we are told, at this stage, is to allow Athlone Town FC continue to play there for a long, long time. We can only wait and see how this story develops in the future, and scepticism will always exist when such vast sums of money are mentioned, but it appears clear that the stadium is safeguarded for the benefit of the community. Many may question whether an amenity which was part funded by local donation and support should be subject to such a deal. However, the reality is that up to now the stadium was owned by the stadium company. Now, the stadium company continues to own the stadium, with this donor the main shareholder. It is fantastic to see local people, whether they wish to remain anonymous or otherwise, decide to invest in local sporting organisations, at a time when money is clearly tight across the board. Athlone Town Stadium Ltd are the beneficiaries of one man's remarkable generosity. RNLI lifeboat decision must be welcomed There is another good news story this week with the confirmation that the Royal National Lifeboats Institution is to establish a trial lifeboat service on Lough Ree, It is expected that the lifeboat station will be located at the IWAI's land at Coosan Point. The IWAI welcomed the announcement this week and said they hope to get the service up and running as soon as possible. The local branch of the IWAI made formal representations to the RNLI for a rescue boat on Lough Ree earlier this year, after rounding up some 100 volunteers for the service. The need for some form of formal rescue service on the lake and River Shannon has long been highlighted by this newspaper and other community groups and organisations locally. The work done by members of Athlone Sub Aqua Club and other groups in providing voluntary support in difficult circumstances in recent years should not be forgotten. And it is likely that it is that same voluntary spirit which will ensure the success of this service - under the supervision of the RNLI Motorway problems must be resolved in current closure plan News that the Athlone to Ballinasloe motorway will be closed for at least six days in December to deal with problems associated with poor drainage. The €211m section of the M6 was only opened two years ago - and the fact that it already needs remedial work is likely to spark controversy. Roscommon County Council has publicised draft plans to close the road for three weeks, right up to December 23, but says that it will more than likely only require six days' closure. Let us hope that the work is done swiftly and properly, and that the difficulties which have dogged the road in recent times are resolved without further delay.