Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, with Leonora O’ Raw, OPW, Cllr Tom Farrell, Sgt Paul Kelly, Cllr Frankie Keena, Ann Carroll, OPW, Jackie Finney Director of Services, Westmeath County Council, Cllr Aengus O’Rourke, Cllr Liam McDaniel, Mayor Athlone and Moate Municipal District, Cllr John Dolan, Gillian Ghee, Tubberclair Local Action Group, Superintendent Bláithín Moran, Aengus Finnegan, Tubberclair Local Action Group, Annie Blessington, District Manager and Mary Browne at the announcement of the transfer of lands at Glasson Garda Station to Westmeath Council. Photo Paul Molloy.

Land next to Glasson garda station handed over to local council

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The transfer of land at Glasson Garda Station to Westmeath County Council, to allow for its development as a new village car park and bus stop, was confirmed at an event in the village on Monday morning of this week.

Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), formally announced the transfer of lands at the Garda station to the local authority.

Speaking at the handover, the 'Boxer' said; "I'm pleased to be here in Glasson today, to hand over this land adjacent to the Garda station for community use.

"This transfer will allow the council to provide a much-needed public car park that will create a safe environment for the local community and pedestrians to access the town services."

At a meeting of the Athlone Moate Municipal District on Monday afternoon, Cllr Frankie Keena thanked the OPW and Minister Moran for their involvement in the land transfer. He then asked for an update on when designs for the new car park would be available and when the amenity would be put in place.

In response, District Engineer Willie Ryan said draft designs for the car park had already been drawn up. "Whether that will be the final design or not remains to be seen," he said.

Mr Ryan said the council would have to seek a funding source for the car park project and that "a healthy six-figure sum" would be required.

He said the Government's Town and Village Renewal Scheme could be a potential funding source, and that it would explore other possible options also.

Cllr Liam McDaniel, Athlone Moate Municipal District Mayor, "warmly welcomed" the transfer of the lands at Glasson Garda Station to Westmeath County Council.

"This is a very positive development for Glasson and the wider community. The new public car park will improve safety, accessibility and connectivity within the village.

"I wish to thank the OPW, Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran and An Garda Síochána for their partnership and support in making this project possible. The outcome will be of lasting benefit to residents, businesses, and visitors to Glasson," said Cllr McDaniel.

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