Council in bid to buy Friary

Westmeath County Council is understood to be in advanced negotiations with the Franciscan Order to acquire the Franciscan Friary church, and the adjoining residential premises and gardens, in Athlone.

The Westmeath Independent understands that discussions are ongoing between the parties regarding the future of the buildings on the town-centre site.

The Franciscan community departed Athlone on January 8, 2023, after a 788-year presence in the town. Over the following two years, a voluntary community group maintained the church and kept the doors open.

The volunteers were supported by Franciscan priests visiting Athlone to say masses, and by financial support from the Franciscan Order towards the maintenance and insurance of the premises. However, the church officially closed almost a year ago, on October 3, 2024, after the volunteers were informed the Franciscans would no longer be able to provide the visiting priests or financial support.

An approach by the local Friary volunteers to the Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, to explore the possibility of keeping the church open as a site of religious services, was unsuccessful.

Whilst the former friary residential quarters have been used to accommodate people fleeing the war in Ukraine for over two years, the future of the landmark church in the centre of the town has remained uncertain.

Concerns have also grown over the condition of the premises following a year of disuse.

Westmeath County Council has now stepped in to seek to take over the ownership of the church and associated buildings, the former residential quarters and the gardens. Westmeath county councillors were briefed this week on the initiative by the council.

It’s understood negotiations to date have been positive. However, an agreement has yet to be concluded.

Westmeath County Council’s Chief Executive Barry Kehoe declined to comment when contacted.

Br Stephen O’Kane, who oversees property matters for the Franciscan Order, also declined to discuss negotiations. He said: "We hope the building will be for use by the people of the area."

It's believed the council is considering the church for use as a new community space, incorporating possible artistic and cultural facilities and community group accommodation. Significant work would be required to convert and modernise the building whilst respecting its architectural and religious significance.

The residential quarters are being seen as a rare opportunity to provide town-centre living accommodation for those on the local authority housing list.