Parking and dereliction are top priorities for locals in Moate

Survey results have indicated that the top three challenges facing Moate according to local residents are parking, derelict and vacant buildings and the need for a wider variety of shops and services.

A number of meetings took place in Moate Library last week as part of the second round of consultation on the draft Moate Town First Masterplan

A revised draft master plan has included the initial work on the key themes and in response to an analysis of the town and the views of the local community gathered during the initial stage of public engagement last January.

As part of the next stage of the Town Centre First plan the draft plan will be presented to the Moate Town Team, which includes local authority and local business and community representatives, to seek their approval which then will be updated following feedback. The final stage will involve a public presentation of the draft of the masterplan.

As part of recent consultation, classes from the local schools, Oliver Plunkett Boys NS, St Brigid’s Primary School and Moate Community School, were invited to attend a meeting with the design team to voice their ideas on what they would like to see in the plan.

Main Street is the focus for many of the issues and ideas raised through the first stage of consultation.

Feedback so far has revealed that some local residents would like more restaurants and places to meet in Moate, more green space, a flexible approach for protecting and enhancing heritage buildings, more information plaques and the promotion of local arts and crafts.

Survey responses and feedback shows that town centre parking is a top priority for respondents with comments calling for a proper car park, three-hour free parking and designated parking for shoppers and commuters.

The design team wants to introduce more sustainable travel into the town and make it a good place to walk and cycle. Westmeath County Council conducted a walkability audit of the town recently with groups from the National Council for the Blind of Ireland, the National Wheelchair Association and the local mother and toddlers group which will also feed into the plans for access.

In regards to facilities in Moate, participants expressed a desire for more outdoor spaces to sit and more shops. The street furniture currently in place is in need of repair, it was said.

Respondents see the unused buildings in Moate as an ‘eyesore’ and a few suggested turning the unused properties into housing. A shop front improvement scheme was also suggested along with better lighting and footpaths in the northern part of the town. Locals would like to see more businesses and jobs brought to Moate and more investment and opportunities for community employment schemes.

When asked what interventions people thought would improve facilities and services in the town 27% of those surveyed said measures to cure dereliction. Survey comments included: “Bank of Ireland building needs to be re-used as offices or remote working” and “Post Office or Bank of Ireland building as a work hub, restaurant, community centre.”

Survey feedback also revealed that the old Post Office, the old bank and Mulrean’s building were the vacant buildings locals felt should be refurbished or repurposed.

Most people selected ‘tourist attractions’ as Moate’s main attraction for visitors.

As part of the draft masterplan, the Town Team hopes to improve the Greenway gateway as the western entrance to Moate, improve public space in front of the Gap House, build a new public park including a rugby ground and open space, open up access to the Motte and create a walking route to it and enhance public green space and play.

Moate was chosen as the first town in Westmeath to be the focus of the Government's Town Centre First policy and a final stage of consultation will take place in spring.

The masterplan is supported by the Town Regeneration Officer and a technical team in Westmeath County Council. Anyone who wishes to contribute to the Moate Town Centre Draft Masterplan should complete an online form by visiting consult.westmeathcoco.ie/en by Tuesday, April 4.

For more information visit westmeathcoco.ie/en/ourservices/regeneration or contact the Regeneration Project team on 044 9332000 or by emailing regen@westmeathcoco.ie