Work continues to complete council purchase of friary

The purchase of the former Franciscan Friary Church in Athlone by Westmeath County Council is currently "progressing through the conveyancing process".

Elected members in attendance at the November meeting of Athlone-Moate Municipal District were informed by the council executive on the latest stage of the acquisition process on foot of a motion raised by Independent Ireland Cllr Paul Hogan.

Westmeath County Council commenced negotiations with the Franciscan Order in September 2025 to acquire the Franciscan Friary church and the adjoining residential premises and gardens.

Following a 788-year presence in the town, the Franciscan community departed Athlone on January 8, 2023, and in the following two years, a voluntary community group maintained the church and kept the doors open.

However, the church officially closed on October 3, 2024, after the volunteers were informed the Franciscans would no longer be able to provide the visiting priests or financial support.

The former church was deconsecrated in February, as exclusively revealed by the Westmeath Independent, potentially paving the way for the council to formally purchase the building.

Seeking an update, Cllr Paul Hogan, said there was "huge interest" and "great affection" for the former Friary within the local community.

"The former Friary building has vast potential to provide arts and culture, tourism or genealogy usage for the council once an agreement to purchase the building can be reached," Cllr Hogan said.

The councillor queried if there was likely to be "any correspondence" within the "next few months" regarding the building's purchase.

"At what stage of the process are we at and will we get this project over the line? I don't wish to interfere with the commercial sensitivities and legal aspects of the project," Cllr Hogan asked.

Cllr Frankie Keena acknowledged that it was now over two years since negotiations had started and said he was of the view that the acquisition process was "nearly there".

"I have been told that the purchase by the council of the former Friary church is close. It is so important that we get this project over the line for the betterment of our community," Cllr Keena said.

He expressed concern that the building would fall into a "dilapidated state" if not returned to use and asked the executive if it was carrying out work in the background to ensure the building would be used in the "most beneficial" way for the community.

"If we get ownership of the building in the near future, I wouldn't like to see it sit there in an idle state for another six months," Cllr Keena added.

Responding, Director of Service, Jackie Finney, confirmed that the council was "working with the Franciscans" as negotiations continued for the purchase of the building.

"This is a really important project for the District. While I don't have any specific details regarding the finality of the project, I can confirm that we are progressing through the conveyancing process and all the legal requirements that the project entails.

"At the top of our thoughts is how best we can serve the site and bring it back to life in the community. As a District we are always looking at spaces for the arts and culture in particular, but there are also alternative options. Conversations are taking place in the background regarding the potential use for the building and I aim to update members at the December meeting," the Director of Services stated.

In a written response, the council said: "Work is ongoing in relation to the acquisition of The Friary. All necessary due diligence processes, including legal consideration, valuation etc. is being worked through, and is currently in the hands of Westmeath County Council’s legal team.

"As these processes are not yet concluded, there is no further substantive update that can be provided at this time. Members will be kept informed of any significant developments, and a further report will be brought before the Municipal District when appropriate."