Local parish asks for “invitation to the table” on Market Square plans

Concerns over the impact of any proposed changes to Athlone’s Market Square on parking for church services have prompted the parish priest of Ss Peter and Paul’s Church to write to Westmeath County Council calling for greater engagement with the parish.

Fr John Deignan has written to local councillors over the concerns, as he said parishioners have approached him in relations to the impact the planned upgrades will have on parking in the area, especially at weekends, for funerals and for weddings.

His comments came after this newspaper reported in recent weeks that Westmeath County Council has sought funding for the first phase of a project that would involve a major revamp of Market Square in front of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul.

If the funding of up to €150,000 is approved, it would be spent on a project to transform Market Square into "a high-quality, people-focused civic and cultural space”, the council said.

In a letter he wrote to Westmeath County Council, Fr John Deignan noted his support for “ongoing efforts to revitalise and upgrade the streetscape” of Athlone.

“I am eager to see Athlone reach its full potential as a vibrant, welcoming hub for both our local community and the many visitors who come to experience the history and spirit of our town. Development is the lifeblood of progress, and I welcome the vision behind these improvements.”

He went on to say a town is “a living, breathing ecosystem of people, traditions, and essential daily functions”, and voiced concerns about the lack of dialogue between planners and the church community in regard to proposed upgrades to the Market Square.

“As it stands, the existing car parks on the west side of the river are consistently at capacity. Any plan that overlooks the practical necessity of accessible parking threatens to impede the very residents who rely on the Church for its spiritual and pastoral services.

“We must find a balance that beautifies our public spaces without rendering them inaccessible to those who need them most, the elderly, families attending baptisms, and those grieving at funerals.”

Fr John went on to say he is not seeking to halt development, but “asking for an invitation to the table”.

“By including those of us who live, work, and worship in the heart of the town in these discussions, I am confident we can move forward with a plan that is both aesthetically ambitious and functionally prudent.

“I invite you to open a line of communication with the parish, so that we may work together to ensure that the new Market Square is a space that serves the needs of everyone in Athlone, both now and for generations to come.”