Hopes Wansboro park can be improved once bridge complete

With the new cycleway bridge nearing completion, a motion at the April meeting of Athlone Municipal District put the focus back on the future of Wansboro Park, a large part of which has acted as a site office for the project.

Cllr Frankie Keena has called on the council to consult with local estates near the park, which is also known as Jim's Field, before the works conclude in a bid to reinstate and improve the recreational area.

In a written response to his motion, the local authority said people are welcome to submit their ideas regarding this park, prior to the works being agreed and undertaken.

“The council has applied for funding for the park under the Community Recognition Fund and an outcome to this is expected shortly. Proposals will be brought before the members for approval in due course,” it added.

Residents in Tormey Villas would like to feed into this reinstatement process, and hope some of their suggestions are taken into account, Cllr Frankie Keena said on Monday week last at the monthly meeting, and they hope the park will brought back to a “higher level” than before.

Director of Services Barry Kehoe, who said he is optimistic that funding may come from the Community Recognition Fund, said the council would like to hear ideas from the public in relation to what they would like incorporated into the park. If unsuccessful with the the fund, they will have to look elsewhere, he continued, saying that the reinstatement is beyond the scope of the bridge contract.