Athlone Marina ‘needs upgrade’
A call for the upgrade, enhancement and expansion of the Athlone Marina after a "gap of 27 years" has been made by Cllr Aengus O'Rourke.
The Fianna Fáil councillor addressed the issue at the October meeting of the Athlone-Moate Municipal District, of Westmeath County Councilcalling for "significant investment" in the marina to ensure it remains a central feature of Athlone's tourism offering.
"Our marina plays a significant part in our tourism offering, but not since 1999 has it seen any significant upgrade or enhancement. This must now change if we are to provide the marina with the modern facilities it requires to cater for the next generation of boat users," Cllr O'Rourke said.
Referencing the fine weather experienced this summer, Cllr O'Rourke said the marina had been particularly busy with all 58 berths is regular use.
"Is this a sufficient amount of berths for boat users passing through Athlone during peak season? Have we scope to increase the number of berths at the marina?," he queried.
Cllr O'Rourke called on the council executive to "engage an advisor" who has expertise in enhancing marinas, "particularly along the River Shannon".
"Basic services must be upgraded at the marina. Boat users must have access to a laundry service, wi-fi, all the facilities that are required at a modern marina," the Cllr added.
He said there was scope for providing "additional services" at the marina, suggesting that water sports such as canoeing and kayaking should be considered as recreational activities for locals and visitors to the town.
"We must look at the marina in a wider context and engage a third party to provide an evidence-based approach for its future development," Cllr O'Rourke added.
Cllr John Dolan said the executive had a "great opportunity" to invest in the marina at its "blueway and greenway intersection".
"The marina is in a prime location in the heart of Athlone. Boat users don't have far to walk to the town centre in which we have invested significant money. We have steadily improved the appearance of Athlone, the Mary O'Rourke bridge is iconic, now it's time to look at the marina," Cllr Dolan said.
Cllr Dolan said he was aware that money for such a project was available, but only "when a plan is put in place" could the council apply for such funding.
Cllr Paul Hogan said the issue of upgrade works at the marina was regularly raised in the council chamber through the years.
"The marina and the River Shannon is the jewel in our tourism crown and we need to treat them as such," Cllr Hogan said.
He said there was a need to consult with the relevant stakeholders and share ideas as to how the development of the marina can be progressed.
"Any potential upgrade of the marina will be welcome, but we need to put a plan in place that will be relevant for the next 20 years or more," Cllr Hogan added.
Responding, Director of Services Jackie Finney said the executive recognised the marina as an "important recreational, tourism and economic asset for the town".
She said "ongoing maintenance and improvement works" are regularly undertaken at the marina to ensure the facility remains "safe, attractive and fit for purpose".
Despite the marina "experiencing healthy seasonal demand", during the summer months and "reaching capacity" during the August bank holiday weekend, the Director of Services stated that occupancy levels for the remainder of the boating season remained "within the marina's available capacity".
Usage patterns show that the existing facility continues to meet demand," she added. However, Ms Finney acknowledged that the executive would continue to keep the "operation and performance of the marina under review" and "consider opportunities for further enhancement and upgrade of the facility".