CLARE Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe said he has secured funding to ensure that the Garda Station in Shannon is re-painted, following a number of representations from locals.
After having the issue raised with him, Deputy Crowe spoke to the Minister with responsibility for the OPW to see if funding could be ringfenced to rectify the issue.
“Representatives of Shannon Tidy Towns came to meet with me at one of my recent clinics in the town and outlined all the work they’re undertaking, which I think all of us can agree is fantastic,” said Deputy Crowe.
“But they felt the Garda Station in the middle of the town was looking shabby and in need of a new coat of paint.
“I went up to see it for myself and following this, I contacted Minister Patrick O’Donovan who has written back to confirm he has approved this and the OPW has approved funding to fully paint the station in the early autumn period.
“This will improve the appearance of the town and spruce it up but I’m fully cognisant that a lot more is needed so I’m working with Shannon Tidy Towns and other stakeholders to ensure that in the months and years ahead, we crate an attractive town environment around Shannon and most importantly, continue to work to a masterplan to deliver a streetscape.”
He said that Shannon needs to have more of a conventional centre.
“Shannon was developed in the 1960s around the airport and new industrial zones but while it’s still a major centre of employment and aviation a lot of the town infrastructure has a jaded look and many bemoan the fact that aside from the Skycourt Shopping Centre, there’s no heart to the town.
“This is something that needs to drastically change.
“A proper streetscape would totally transform Shannon and make the town more attractive to people who live there and also entice people from outside
“I would like to take this opportunity to again commend the work of Shannon Tidy Towns and ask that those living locally do all they can to complement the work that these volunteers carry out and ensure that they keep their hometown looking as well as possible at all times.”

by Owen Ryan