Apple trees set to be planted in three Athlone parks by local group

The Athlone Apples group is set to plant trees shortly in three locations in Athlone, the April monthly council meeting was told.

Burgess Park, Wansboro Park and the park at the Athlone Regional Sports Centre (ARSC) are the sites chosen by the group, in conjunction with the council, and ARSC management.

Frank Dolan, District Administrator Municipal District of Athlone-Moate, explained during the correspondence section of the April council meeting, that the local authority had received a letter received from Lynda McFarland from the Athlone Apples Group in which she outlined plans to plant trees in Burgess Park and Wansboro Park and also detailed plans to plant an orchard in the park at the Regional Sports Centre.

She also mentioned in her letter that Athlone Apples is planning a Blossom Festival in May, and another Apple Day in September or October, on which she'll send further details later, Mr Dolan added.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Frankie Kenna said he had the pleasure of linking in with this particular group who are “doing great work” and he thanked District Engineer Pat Nally for meeting them on-site in Burgess Park and Wansboro Park to examine locations where they could sow apple trees.

He also thanked the manager of Athlone Regional Sports Centre, Liam Cunningham for agreeing to be part of the initiative. “I'd like to commend Lynda and her group and I enjoyed working with them to help them in the provision of apple orchards,” said Cllr Frankie Keena, who added that the planting will be happening at the three locations shortly.

“It's great to see a community group like this going forward with the planting of apple trees. I know Coosan Development Group are doing the same thing, and I would hope that we as a council would get behind them and make sure we're supporting their festival days and that we can all get out and enjoy hopefully what will be a nice event outdoors in the summer,” commented Green Cllr Louise Heavin.