New greenway cafe opening should be prioritised

Westmeath County Council has been urged to ensure a new cafe in the old railway station in Streamstown, running along the greenway, is open by May 1 next.

That was the view of Fine Gael's Tom Farrell, who queried the timeline of the opening of the new coffee shop, at the latest Athlone-Moate Municipal District meeting, and what kind of interest there has been in the venture. It comes after expressions of interest were sought recently through the Local Enterprise Office of Westmeath County Council for the provision of the cafe service, with a closing date of April 1.

“The season will be coming upon us very quickly and I think it should be open yesterday per se,” said Cllr Farrell.

While she didn't have exact figures, District Manager Jackie Finney told the monthly meeting there was “very good interest” in the venture and the expressions of interest submitted will now be assessed by staff.

Once the assessment process is complete, they would be in a better position to give an update on the timeline, she said.