Funding boost to help bring Moate's old fire station back into use

A plan to bring Moate's disused fire station back into community use received a significant boost today (Wednesday) with the awarding of €112,500 in Government funding for the project.

The former fire station, attached to the courthouse building which now houses Moate Library, is due to be revamped as "a multi-purpose space for community use by the Moate Action Group".

The station was previously used as a gym by Moate Boxing Club, and it was where professional light heavyweight Joe Ward developed his skills growing up, but the building has been vacant since a fire occurred there in 2014.

The project was one of four in Westmeath which were awarded a total of €538,008 in Town and Village Renewal Scheme funding announced by Minister Heather Humphreys.

The other Westmeath projects were: €100,800 for streetscape enhancements and the development of a green space for the community in Milltownpass; €224,708 for a playground and outdoor gym in The Downs; and €100,000 for a streetscape enhancement scheme in Kilbeggan.

In Roscommon, a sum of €162,540 was awarded to develop a public green space and recreational amenity the centre of the village of Athleague.

The funding announcement stated that the planned new amenity in Athleague would be "a vibrant hub for community enjoyment and to increase footfall to local businesses by increasing visitor time spent in the area."

Other Roscommon projects received funding in Arigna, Cootehall, Ballinlough and Ballinagare.

A total of €27 million for projects throughout the country was announced under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme today.

Minister Humphreys said this funding would "breathe new life" into rural towns and villages.

“This is the largest ever investment under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and it demonstrates my passion and ambition for our rural communities,” said the Minister.