Extension proposal for Luan Gallery cafe/restaurant

 

Athlone's Mayor maintains that the one thing lacking in the Luan Gallery is a cafe/restaurant for visitors to linger on and enjoy its waterside location.
Cllr Aengus O'Rourke recently called on Athlone Municipal District to examine the possibility of building a two-storey extension to the southern end of the gallery, between the Fr Mathew Hall element and the bridge, however, the reaction to the idea from the council's top table was not very encouraging.

Director of Services Barry Kehoe, pointed to a "sensitive space" at the southern side of the gallery with protected structures in terms of the bridge, Fr Mathew Hall and then the nearby St Peter and Paul's Church to consider, and he wondered whether it was realistic to put an extension in this area.
He agreed to look at the proposal with a planner and bring a planning statement to an upcoming meeting.
"I think it would be a fantastic addition to the facility. It's a pity it was not in the plans," Mayor Cllr Aengus O'Rourke said earlier, during a short discussion on the idea at the October meeting.
Welcoming the idea, Independent Alliance Cllr Michael O'Brien said that any development which enhances the local tourism product is positive and the gallery is in a "beautiful location".
Whilst recognising the merits of the suggestion, Sinn Fein's Paul Hogan disagreed with the Mayor.
He said the provision of hospitality was considered in the original gallery plan.
It was felt at the time that it would go against the aesthetic appeal of the premises and the view of the St Peter and Paul's Church would be obstructed.
Mayor O'Rourke responded by saying that was ten or twelve years ago now and every gallery countrywide has "significant hospitality" as it helps promote the status and profile of the facility.
Director of Services Barry Kehoe did not give much encouragement to the idea of an extension to the southern end of the building as it a constricted and challenging site.
He said he would get a planner to examine the proposal.
Mayor O'Rourke said his intention would be that any cafe/restaurant developed would be leased out by the local council to catering operators.