Portlick campsite raises concerns with council over upkeep of amenity

Portlick Scout Campsite CLG has raised a number of concerns about the upkeep and development of the Portick amenity area in a submission to Westmeath County Council.

A new outdoor recreation plan is currently being prepared for Westmeath. As part of that process, consultants S3 Solutions, on behalf of the county council, held a workshop for clubs and groups in Athlone's Shamrock Lodge Hotel on Tuesday, August 19.

The workshop was described as "part of an ongoing programme of engagement activities" being conducted by the consultant team to "inform the development of an Outdoor Recreation Plan for Westmeath".

Former Athlone councillor and scout campsite secretary John Butler made a submission to the workshop on behalf of Portlick Scout Campsite CLG.

This submission referred to the Portlick Biodiversity and Amenity Enhancement Master Plan, prepared by Flynn Furney Environmental Consultants on behalf of the council, describing the plan as "positive overall" but saying it needed adjustment in certain areas.

The Portlick Scout campsite submission to the council raised concerns which included the continuing presence, as of mid-August, of a number of fallen trees which it said were blocking the "blue walkway" route at Portlick, rendering it inaccessible and unsafe.

Earlier this year, the Athlone Moate Municipal District heard progress was being made on the enhancement of walking trails and bridleway at the lakeside Portlick amenity, for which €35,000 had been allocated, and that an additional €35,000 was allocated for "wayfinding" infrastructure at the amenity.

Portlick Scout Campsite, in its submission, outlined its "key concerns" which included: "The feasibility of combining a full loop walk with a bridle path, the unsuitability of Portlick Bay’s north shore for a jetty and swimming area, and the lack of progress on trail and bridleway enhancements, despite allocated funding."

The submission said horses and riders were continuing to enter the waterway at Portlick shore, which was in breach of council byelaws.

It went on to say "poor phone and internet coverage" in Portlick "further highlight the need for simple on-site signage and maps".

"With these issues addressed, the plan can deliver significant improvements to Portlick's amenity value while safeguarding biodiversity, enhancing visitor safety, and ensuring long-term sustainability," it added.

"The walkways should be developed to trails Ireland standard and registered with trails Ireland."

The submission to the council ended by saying the board of management of Portlick Scout Campsite CLG was "prepared to provide funding" to help improve Portlick amenity area.