Planning bid for Moate fire station upgrade due by end of year

A planning application for the proposed upgrade of Moate Fire Station to a community office is expected to be submitted in the fourth quarter of this year.

Responding to a question posed by Cllr Tom Farrell at a recent sitting of Athlone-Moate Municipal District Westmeath County Council confirmed its intention to submit a planning application for the project towards the end of 2025 with construction to commence in the second quarter of next year.

"The design is being progressed with a view to submitting a planning application in Q4 2025. It is envisaged, subject to planning and approvals, that construction would commence in Q2 2026," the local authority stated.

Cllr Farrell confirmed that the old fire station in the heart of the town would be converted into a community office for use by the Moate Town Team. To be opened from 9am to 5pm on weekdays it will enable Moate Town Team carry out the necessary administration associated with grant applications for various community groups as well as providing a base for the Town Team.

In July 2024, Moate Town Team received a grant allocation of €150,000 towards the conversion of the old fire station to a community office.