Council seeks to convert former boxing club to community office
Westmeath County Council has submitted a planning application for the proposed development of a community office on the site of the former boxing club and fire station in Moate.
The proposed Part 8 development, by which local authorities and other State bodies consult with the public over projects, involves the refurbishment of the vacant protected structure adjacent to Moate Library.
Proposed works include the creation of an open-plan office space, incorporating a tea station and kitchen sink; upgrading the toilet facilities, with provision of a single unisex/accessible WC; replacement and enhancement of the windows to the front with a new glass frontage, including new door access and the replacement and upgrading of the existing roof.
Plans and particulars of the proposed development are available for public inspection online at https://consult.westmeathcoco.ie/en until Monday, January 26, the closing date for submissions and observations on the planning application being Tuesday, February 10, at 4pm.
All correspondence on the proposed development must be made to Westmeath County Council online at https://consult.westmeathcoco.ie/en or in written format to the local authority's planning department in Mullingar.
Westmeath County Council provided an update on the proposed community office development to Cllr Tom Farrell during the October meeting of Athlone-Moate Municipal District, the local authority stating that "subject to planning and approvals, construction on the project would commence in Q2 2026".
Cllr Farrell confirmed at the meeting that the former boxing club, which was previously a 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 Town Team carry out the administration associated with grant applications for 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 and boxing club to a community office.