Heavy machinery delays new riverside seating at The Strand in Athlone

A plan to install new seating and litter bins along the scenic Strand area of Athlone, on the banks of the river Shannon, was delayed due to the presence of heavy machinery in the area as a result of drainage scheme works, the July meeting of Athlone Moate Municipal District of Westmeath County Council was told.

In an update given to the meeting by District Engineer, Willie Ryan, he said that, despite the fact that the drainage works at The Strand “have now finished” it was not possible to re-instate the new seating and litter bins due to some “heavy machinery” which had been left behind and needed to be moved.

Since the seating was removed in order to facilitate the drainage scheme works, Mr. Ryan noted that some motorists were “choosing to park” where the previous seating benches had been placed,

Cllr Paul Hogan said The Strand was a very popular location in the centre of Athlone “and a much-loved area for older people to sit and relax at the river” and he called for the new seating be re re-instated as soon as possible.

He also welcomed the €10,000 in funding from the Office of Public Works towards the seating project.

The meeting was shown pictures of what the new seating will look like, with the District Engineer telling members that seven new seats and three new litter bins are to be provided.

He indicated that the new seating and bins are expected to be in place next month, or by September at the latest.