Call for canopy and lighting at Streamstown's outdoor gym

A local councillor has called for the installation of lighting and a canopy at the outdoor gym at the greenway in Streamstown.

Speaking at the November meeting of Athlone-Moate Municipal District, Cllr Tom Farrell said the amenity is regularly used by the "ever growing" Streamstown community and the addition of solar lighting and a canopy would enhance the gym setting, "particularly during the winter months".

"We shouldn't be found wanting for the Streamstown community, who we have supported in the past. Is there a plan that we, as a council, can put in place to ensure regular use of the outdoor gym is maintained?" Cllr Farrell queried.

Cllr Vinny McCormack said the Streamstown community "always delivered" in terms of neighbourhood projects and it was "only fair and right" that the council should support them in this instance.

District Engineer Willie Ryan agreed that the addition of a canopy at the outdoor gym was a "great idea", adding the local community are "always first" to bring solutions to any problems that arise in Streamstown.

"However, current public lighting funding is primarily focused on infill lighting projects within towns and villages, particularly in areas with significant pedestrian activity. As a result, the provision of lighting at the outdoor gym in Streamstown is unlikely to be prioritised under existing funding programmes," Mr Ryan said.

The District Engineer stated that the "most appropriate avenue" for progressing both the proposed lighting and canopy would be through a "community-led application" under a suitable rural development programme, "such as CLÁR or other community enhancement funding schemes".

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme