Restoration of historic Moate footbridge would be 'a great boost for community'

Athlone-Moate Municipal District must provide match funding to ensure the restoration of the historic foot bridge at Moate railway station, Cllr Tom Farrell has stated.

Speaking at the monthly meeting of Athlone-Moate Municipal District, the Councillor noted that heritage grant funding of approximately €125,000 had been allocated towards the project, but additional finances were required to restore the infrastructure.

"Despite being out of use at the present time, this historic footbridge retains much of its character. However, it is in particularly dangerous condition and must be restored as a matter of public safety.

"We have received grant funding for the project so all that is missing now is match funding from the local authority. It would be a great boost for the community in Moate if we could restore this historic piece of infrastructure to its former glory," Cllr Farrell said.

Cllr Vinny McCormack noted that restoring the infrastructure would maintain the foot bridge for "future generations".

"This would be a positive development for the Moate community and all those who use the greenway so any funding which the Council can allocate in this regard would certainly be much appreciated," Cllr McCormack said.

Responding, Council Director of Services, Jackie Finney, stated that the local authority was "exploring all avenues" to ensure match funding was found for the project.

"We would hope to make an application under the Outdoor Recreation Scheme to supplement existing funding which has been allocated. However, there is no timelime for such an application at present," Ms Finney said.