Moate Town Team committee in place for the coming years
A strong community turnout of approximately 30 people gathered for the AGM of Moate Town Team recently.
The meeting, on March 11, included updates on the group’s work and plans for the future of the town. It also saw the executive committee of Moate Town Team being re-elected to guide its work over the next three years.
Opening the meeting, chairperson Nick Linnane thanked the committee members and volunteers for their dedication and commitment over the past term. He noted that the progress made in Moate in recent years would not have been possible without the continued support of local residents, community groups, and businesses.
A highlight of the evening came during the treasurer's report, which stated that the Town Team had successfully delivered approximately €180,000 worth of improvements across Moate in recent years.
These projects have contributed significantly to enhancing the town centre and supporting the continued development of Moate as a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.
Looking to the future, the Town Team expressed enthusiasm about the planned redevelopment of the old Fire Station, which was previously home to Moate Boxing Club and is now expected to become a community office space. The project is viewed by Moate Town Team as an important step in strengthening community infrastructure locally.
Members also outlined exciting plans for an enhanced streetscape in Moate, with significant funding now secured to progress planning and development works. The initiative aims to further improve the town’s public spaces, making them more attractive and accessible for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
The Town Team emphasised that it will play an active role in ensuring the voices of Moate residents are heard during the consultation process with Westmeath County Council as these projects move forward. The committee stressed that community input will be essential in shaping the future development of the town.
During the open discussion portion of the meeting, attendees raised an important issue regarding the need for more indoor resources for community and youth groups. Several speakers highlighted that insurance costs and room hire fees can present significant barriers for groups seeking to establish activities for young people in the town.
Those present agreed that this is an area that deserves further attention and collaboration moving forward.
The following members were re-elected as the executive committee to guide the work of the Town Team over the next three years: Nick Linnane (chairperson), Cathy Gillivan (secretary), Joe Whelan (assistant secretary / minute taker), James Glynn (treasurer), Turlough O’Brien (assistant chairperson) and Shane Lynam (public relations officer).
In order to broaden participation and ensure progress across key areas, the Town Team intends to shortly convene again to establish sub-groups focused on specific priorities, including: town and village development; law and order; marketing and media; youth focus; inclusion; tourism; and additional areas of community interest.
Concluding the meeting, the committee thanked everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion.
"The strength of Moate has always been its people," a spokesperson for Moate Town Team said. "We are grateful to everyone who came along to the AGM, and we look forward to working with the community over the next three years to continue improving our town."
The Moate Town Team is encouraging residents and community organisations to stay engaged and participate in future consultations as plans for the town continue to develop.