Shared Athlone site for new IWAI and RNLI headquarters
A partnership between the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) will result in a shared home for the two organisations in Athlone.
The site of the new build is located on the shores of Lough Ree, at the original home of the Rice family, who generously bequeathed the site to the IWAI with the wish that the organisation would benefit from its use.
Lough Ree RNLI and the IWAI have officially turned the sod to mark the historic occasion, which will see the two organisations share a site for the first time.
The project will see a new state-of-the-art lifeboat station for Lough Ree RNLI and a clubhouse for the IWAI with work expected to be completed later next year.
The new lifeboat station will consist of a training room, crew changing area, a mechanic’s workshop, and a boathouse for the station’s lifeboat. In seeking to use long-term sustainable and cost-effective methods, the RNLI will use photovoltaic panels to convert light into electricity, air source heat recovery for hot water, and ground source heating.
The new clubhouse building of the IWAI will consist of a meeting room, catering and WC facilities, an outside events area, and rehabilitated access and parking.
RNLI Lifesaving Lead Owen Medland said: “This new shared facility will provide a permanent lifeboat station in the mid-Shannon region that will offer a top-class search and rescue facility for those living near or visiting our beautiful area. Sustainability is at the forefront of all the RNLI’s projects and the design standards of the building are very impressive.’
“We are delighted, with the site provided for our permanent lifeboat station and looking forward to having new neighbours,” Mr Medland continued.
For eight years lifeboat volunteers have operated out of temporary facilities on a nearby site.
“Every second counts when launching our lifeboats and we have the perfect location here at Dunrovin. The new lifeboat station will serve generations of lifesavers and the community of waterway users in the midlands. Thank you to the IWAI for providing us with this incredible location,” Mr Medland added.
Alan Kelly, President of the IWAI, said “The sod-turning is an important historical milestone for the Inland Waterways Association, as it marks the regeneration of Dunrovin for waterways users. This facility represents a clear signal and firm commitment from the IWAI to the community and the area.
“Both the RNLI and IWAI are part of the fabric of the community they operate in and we are thrilled to be working together in partnership as we embark on this journey to build a new clubhouse and lifeboat station. Over the past few years, we’ve worked together building our strategic partnership to reach this point and the next 12 months will be key, for both organisations.
“Our new clubhouse,” continued Mr Kelly “will also provide a base for like-minded organisations who use the waterways, to conduct their activities both on and off-season.”
The IWAI is an integral part of any community and has a long history of co-operating supporting and engaging with local communities ensuring the inland waterways are developed with all users in mind.