Councillor's call for reinstatement of seating at The Strand in Athlone

Seating which was removed during recent drainage scheme works along The Strand should now be reinstated, Cllr John Gibbons has stated.

The Independent councillor was speaking at the recent meeting of the Athlone-Moate Municipal District, during which he called on the local authority to issue a letter to his political ally, the OPW Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, to fund the seat restoration.

"As we approach the summer months it would be best that this seating is restored by the Strand.

"They are always in use, particularly in times of good weather... The restoration of seating would enhance this local amenity for the people of Athlone and tourists to enjoy," Cllr Gibbons.

Cllr Paul Hogan offered his full support for a letter to be written by the Municipal District to the OPW Minister citing the need to improve the public realm at the Strand as the summer season approached.

Cllr John Dolan said that the OPW should purchase new seating for The Strand, and Cllr Gibbons concluded that the Government department should "look favourably" on the Municipal District's seat suggestion.

In response, a spokesperson for the Municipal District said it was intended to restore the seating in advance of the summer period.

"A letter will issue seeking financial support from the Minister for this project," the spokesperson stated.