Polytunnel put in place by residents of local estate
A polytunnel has been put in place at the rear of an Athlone housing estate with help from Athlone Castlerea Credit Union's Community Support Fund.
One of its recipients in 2023 were the members of the St Patrick’s Terrace Residents Association, Irishtown, who utilised the funding to purchase and erect a polytunnel on the grounds to the rear of their houses.
The residents have expressed their deep gratitude to Athlone and Castlerea Credit Union and indeed, Manager Michael Evans for this generous contribution.
Resident Padraic Mac Craith said that the tunnel is situated at the rear of the terrace and will be used to encourage local residents and indeed the community to grow their own fruit and vegetables within the tunnel.
It is envisaged that this endeavour will encourage young and not so young to pool their talents and make this an enriching experience for all concerned.
Padraic thanked Cllr Frankie Keena for his help in coordinating the project.
This active committee do not intend to stop there as their next goal is to look at installing extra lighting on the pitch to assist underage teams with their football training for AC Celtic, and also to provide a walking track around the perimeter of the pitch to create a safe walking area for all concerned without having to leave the locality.
Cllr Frankie Keena said he is delighted to help out this committee. Following the granting of a lease from Westmeath County Council for the lands, the St Patrick's Terrace Residents Association has partnered with AC Celtic in using the pitch for underage soccer training, and now that the polytunnel is in place the local residents have also an activity for themselves.
"Growing your own vegetables and flowers in a shared way is a great way of socialising and having a chat," he said.
He commended the Athlone Castlerea Credit Union on this Community Support Fund initiative.
"It is just a fantastic initiative that the Credit Union annually rolls out to community groups who are providing excellent projects throughout the area.
"It is a lovely way of recognising the voluntary work of these community groups and I would like to give special mention of thanks to Manager Michael Evans and indeed all his staff," Cllr Keena concluded.