Athlone's Greally Park officially opened as residents receive keys

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Greally Park in Athlone was officially opened last Thursday by Deputy Mayor of the Athlone Moate Municipal District Cllr Aengus O’Rourke, as residents received the keys to their new homes.

The development is situated opposite Arcadia Retail Park and near the site of the new Athlone Community Nursing Unit.

It is also close to the Ashdale estate and Esker Park, a 33-home council development completed in 2020.

The 24 homes in Greally Park include eleven two-bedroom houses, four two-bedroom apartments, four two-bedroom duplexes, and five one-bedroom apartments.

The estate is named in honour of Athlone native Hannah Greally, author of the best-selling memoir Bird’s Nest Soup, which recounts the 18 years she spent in St Loman’s Psychiatric Hospital in Mullingar. She died in 1987 at the age of 62.

Speaking at the opening, Cllr O’Rourke said the development represents “security, stability and opportunity for the families and individuals who will call Greally Park home”.

“At a time when housing remains one of the greatest challenges facing our communities, every new development like this makes a real and meaningful difference,” he said.

He also highlighted the scheme’s location, describing it as one of the best in Athlone, within walking distance of schools, shops, healthcare services, sporting facilities, public transport, and other key amenities.

Cllr O’Rourke paid tribute to those involved in the planning and delivery of the project, including council architects and contractors, and thanked local residents for their patience during construction.

“I want to particularly acknowledge the excellent work of our council architects and the entire team involved in designing and delivering this project,” he said.

“Their vision and professionalism have created a development that is not only practical and high quality, but one that will become a real community for years to come.”

He also thanked OCC Construction for the high standard of workmanship, as well as local neighbours and St Kieran’s Community Centre for their cooperation throughout the building process.

At the time of the opening, all but two units had been allocated to tenants, with most residents already receiving their keys.

Evelyn Hession of Westmeath County Council’s housing department said residents “couldn’t wait” to move into Greally Park.

“Some had received notice to quit their previous accommodation, so they were delighted to get the keys,” she said.

She added that some of the homes had been allocated to older residents and were designed with their needs in mind.

“These homes meet residents’ needs, and they are very happy,” she said.