Dolan calls for immediate action plan to redevelop Athlone’s Burgess Park
A local councillor has said potential proposals for the further development of Burgess Park will be a "year too late" as he discussed the future upgrade of the amenity in the heart of Athlone.
Cllr John Dolan raised the issue during the monthly meeting of Athlone-Moate Municipal District calling on the council to "proactively discuss the development of Burgess Park including the refurbishment of the Centenary Garden, playground and various walks and amenities".
"The main drainage scheme which has been centred in Burgess Park for quite some time now is nearing its end and we should have a plan ready to go for the further development of this amenity in the heart of our town. Why are we waiting for the main drainage scheme works to conclude before we plan what we are going to do with Burgess Park?" Cllr Dolan asked.
The Fine Gael councillor said that a consultant should have been appointed to assess the development potential for Burgess Park while the main drainage scheme works were ongoing.
"This proposal should have been ready to go for funding in 2026. Now it looks like it will be 2027 at the earliest before we can make progress on the issue. For me, that's a year too late," Cllr Dolan said.
He described the amenity as being in a "unique urban setting beside the river" with "great potential for public use", adding that local community groups should have input into any proposed programme of works for Burgess Park.
"The amenity could also be a designated area for buses to drop off and collect tourists when they visit Athlone, while there is also the option of installing an outdoor gym there. The options are endless. A short, sharp plan is needed to be put together for the amenity's development," Cllr Dolan concluded.
In support of Cllr Dolan, Cllr Paul Hogan said the members should have "already received a pre-consultation draft" regarding the future development of Burgess Park.
"This is a prime site in the heart of our town with plenty of recreational potential. We previously discussed the potential for a heritage centre at the site where visitors could trace their genealogy when visiting Athlone.
"As I said, this is a key space in the town centre which we need to mind and put appropriate infrastructure in place to attract locals and visitors. We just need to spark an idea as to how we want Burgess Park to look in 20 years," Cllr Hogan said.
Responding, Director of Services Jackie Finney acknowledged the frustration expressed by the members, stating that a "detailed scope of work" was planned for the amenity.
"Our District staff had previously sought consultants for this project but to no avail. However, this has since changed and consultants have been recently appointed by to carry out a feasibility study of Burgess Park.
"The consultants aim is to produce a design which will appeal to all age groups, focusing on Burgess Park as a natural amenity and what the site can also offer tourists who visit Athlone. Our District office will continue to liaise with the consultants to ensure that the specific timeframes are met.
"It is intended to bring a pre-consultation draft before the members towards the end of the first quarter of 2026 in advance of undertaking a public consultation process in the second quarter of next year," Ms Finney said.