Coosan Men’s Shed submit plans for single-storey centre

Coosan Men's Shed has submitted plans to construct a single-storey community social and learning centre with all associated site works at its base in St Kieran's Community Centre, Tormey Villas, Athlone.

Plans for the proposed development on 0.22 hectare of land were submitted to Westmeath County Council on February 17 as Coosan Men's Shed looks to expand on its current portakabin facility.

The proposed site for the project is to the north of the existing community centre and childcare facility and to the rear of houses at Ashdale, and to the west of the AC Celtic playing grounds.

Two previous planning bids for an extensive two-storey community, social and learning centre on the St Kieran's Community Centre site were refused planning permission in 2023 and 2024.

The most recent planning application for a two-storey community social and learning centre in Tormey Villas was turned down in May 2024 with the local authority then citing concerns over traffic flow and parking demands.

In a recent interview with the Westmeath Independent, the members said the space restriction was detrimental to a growth in membership numbers and curtailing the group's ambitions for expansion in the community.

A decision on the planning application is expected from Westmeath County Council on April 13.