Athlone boundary review
Interjections briefly interrupted Senator Leyden, who continued arguing that the report threatened Roscommon and that the Minister should reject the boundary extension.
The situation is unsatisfactory. The report's summary states: "Roscommon and Westmeath County Councils should provide to the Minister a Joint Implementation Plan within 6 months of the publication of this report to indicate their proposals and timelines for completion of these tasks..." It goes on to state if they do not co-operate, the Minister will extend the boundary into County Roscommon. That is the threat made in the report and I want to see it being withdrawn. I want the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government to come to the House and state categorically that Bellanamullia-Monksland will remain an integral part of County Roscommon.
There is a case to be made for naming the area as Monkstown or another suitable name and to turn the area into a town as opposed to a townland, which would give it more authority. The western side of Athlone is the most neglected part of County Westmeath. It would be more practical to extend the Roscommon boundary to the River Shannon, which is the natural boundary between the west and the east. Part of Athlone on the western side of the river is in Connacht whereas the other side is in Leinster. I am happy to retain what we have and not to make any grab for County Westmeath, but I would like a debate on the issue. If the Minister will not come to the House, I will seek a Commencement matter debate in that regard. The fight continues. This is only a fob to fight the next general election to ensure Fine Gael will gain a seat.