Two Portlick amenity schemes due for completion this year

Two schemes at the Portlick amenity area which received funding under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2023 are scheduled for completion this year.

Raising the issue at a recent meeting of the Athlone-Moate Municipal District, Cllr John Dolan also queried if there were future plans in place to further enhance the amenity.

The council members were informed by the executive that the enhancement of walking trails and bridleway for which €35,000 was allocated, was close to completion with associated signage yet to be erected.

An additional €35,000 was allocated to "wayfinding" in the amenity with the design of both the orientation and interpretation signage still to be finalised.

"Signage erection is scheduled for the second quarter of 2025," the council executive spokesperson confirmed.

The council executive noted that further improvements in the amenity will be considered.

"The Municipal District is considering a funding submission once again through the ORIS scheme 2025. Any proposal will align with the suite of recommendations contained in the Portlick enhancement plan," the council spokesperson stated.

Noting the council's response, Cllr Dolan stated that a funding application for ongoing developments should still be considered despite existing schemes not yet reaching their conclusion.

"While these schemes remain ongoing we should still be looking towards the future and starting the process to secure additional funding for Portlick. In my view, additional car parking spaces are required at the location and the amenity would also be enhanced by the installation of a children's playground as so many families from Athlone and the wider Midlands region regularly visit there," Cllr Dolan said.

The Portlick Amenity and Biodiversity Masterplan was developed and published by the Council in 2023 proposing a suite of both ecological and amenity enhancement actions.