Farrell seeks motor home facilities in Athlone and Moate
While the provision of parking for motor homes on fully serviced sites is very popular across Europe, Westmeath County Council is hoping that the private sector might get involved in providing these services locally.
This was the news imparted to members at the September meeting of Athlone Moate Municipal District when the issue was raised in a motion submitted by Fine Gael Cllr Tom Farrell.
Cllr Louise Heavin said maybe the council could conduct a feasibility study, but while Director of Services Barry Kehoe acknowledged that motor home parks are “a growing area, and it is very common on the continent” he added that the council was not in a position to carry out a feasibility study “and there is no point in saying that we can.”
“I would love to see more of these types of facilities being provided in the county, but we would be hoping that the private sector could get involved” he said.
Cllr Tom Farrell said he would like to see “one or two” fully serviced sites being made available in each municipal district as there is a “great need” for these facilities now that more and more people from Northern Ireland and overseas are discovering the “clean, green environment” that Ireland has to offer.
Cllr John Dolan agreed that there is a need for fully-serviced parking areas for these types of vehicles.
Barry Kehoe said he would discuss the issue with Fáilte Ireland, but he cautioned that the council would not be able to provide any such facilities locally in the short term.
In its written response, the council stated motor homes are “generally accommodated in caravan parks, of which there are a number in the county. These parks have the necessary services on hand, such as electricity, water and pump out facilities.”
The council said while it “would be supportive” of the provision of further or expanded camping and caravan parks, subject to planning and other considerations “it is not considered feasible for the council to provide and maintain such facilities.”