Cllr O'Rourke "concerned" that Coosan Point works won't be ready this summer

Cllr Aengus O'Rourke has said that while Westmeath County Council is working on an enhancement plan for Coosan Point he is "concerned" that the plan won’t be ready for implementation this summer. He will raise this issue at the monthly meeting of the Athlone-Moate Municipal District today (Monday.)

He said: "I am therefore negotiating with council management for a more immediate range of improvements that will be carried out in the next number of weeks and months.

For example, I would like to see a general tidy-up carried out around Coosan Point. This would include the removal of the broken fence that separates the car park from the green area. It would also include some painting, repairing bollards, removal of old unsightly bins, fully re-open the children’s playground, and other necessary works," stated the Fianna Fáil councillor.

He said that the removal or replacement of out-of-date unnecessary signage is also important. "Coosan Point is cluttered with signage, much of which is no longer relevant. Where signs are needed, they should be renewed."

Cllr O'Rourke continued: "I am also concerned that the public lights are on all night every night at Coosan Point. In an area of conservation like this, I would like to trial a restricted/managed lighting arrangement. While special bulbs/lights are available which are less impactful on wildlife, there is no substitute for naturally dark habitats. Turning off unnecessary public lights remains the simplest and most effective solution for habitat restoration. I am in ongoing discussions with the council in relation to this matter."

Cllr O'Rourke concluded: "I also feel that the sheer number of streetlights around Coosan school on the road to Coosan Point are over the top at nighttime. There are simply too many streetlights at this location. The lights across the road from the school are totally unnecessary and are therefore wasteful. On foot of my proposal to reduce the number of lights at this location, the council have agreed to examine the options and put a more sensible lighting solution in place."