'Overwhelmingly positive' public views on pool and boardwalk plan
By Rebekah O'Reilly
A public consultation on the boardwalk and outdoor pool project proposed from Athlone has solicited over 225 responses. An update on the project was given at the latest meeting of the Athlone Moate Municipal District by Westmeath County Council's Head of Regeneration & Capital Projects Anne-Marie Corroon.
She noted that the "vast majority" of the submissions were made by people who consider themselves as local residents.
"People are really in favour of this project and want to see it coming along. They see it as a great addition to Athlone," she said.
The next step of the process will see an option selection for the location of the pool. Four possible locations identified include Strand Square, Friary Strand, Wolfe Tone Terrace, and Burgess Park.
"As part of the option selection process, we will take into account the public consultation, the significant stakeholders, and engagement from community groups and residents living locally," Ms Corroon said.
"We have our other investigations, like with our archeological guides, and ecological surveys. That would all feed into an overall option selection process where the preferred location would be selected."
A number of council members had concerns about the location of the pool. Cllr John Dolan noted that tourism businesses such as the Viking boat would need to be considered, as well as elderly residents who may not have had their say during the public consultation process.
"We have been engaging with local businesses, Waterways Ireland, and The Marina - and this will impact the options," Ms Corroon said.
Mayor of Athlone Moate Municipal District Cllr Vinny McCormack and Cllr Frankie Keena both said the public expect that the members would have influence in the decision on the location of the pool.
"We need to be involved in a meaningful way," said Cllr Keena, adding that the public are coming to him to suggest that Burgess Park is the ideal location for the pool.
When asked whether members of the council would have "the final say" in the selection process, Ms Corroon noted that "public opinion" cannot be the only guiding force on where the pool goes.
"It's an option selection process, but it might end up being a Part 10 Planning process with An Coimisiún Pleanála," she said. This refers to a local authority seeking planning approval for projects requiring an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR).
"We have to choose the best possible location for the pool, and we have to be able to defend that decision backed by evidence."
Cllr Paul Hogan added that he hopes members will be involved in "shaping" the application which goes to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
In addition, members were given a brief update about the boardwalk, with Cllr Keena asking where consideration had been given to extending the boardwalk to Burgess Park if the pool is to be placed there.
"The boardwalk is essentially to be fixed from the Greenway Bridge to Burgess Park," said Ms Corroon."We will be looking at slightly different ways of treating the boardwalk in different locations.
"Whether it's on dry land, whether it's out in the river, whether it's fixed or flowed. There's a bit of bit of refinement of the boardwalk design underway."