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IRISH VETERANS MEMORIAL
KILTOOM, ATHLONE
COUNTY ROSCOMMON
Architect’s initial assessment (does not include updated assessment on wider, more detailed project, which should be available in the near future).
INTRODUCTION
In recent times the Irish Veterans Memorial Project negotiated an arrangement with the Representative Church Body in the Republic of Ireland, whereby they could take a long-term lease on the property, carry out some work thereon and create a new location for the Veterans Memorial. It is expected that the old Church of Ireland would be refurbished into an Interpretative Centre and in the grounds a location would be created for the new Memorial.
1. MEMORIAL
It is expected that a competition would be run by the Association to select a sculptor who would adequately create an event or an object which would suitably represent the combined use of the Veterans Associations in Ireland.
This could become an outstanding destination for those who would wish to commemorate the memory of those who gave their lives and their efforts in theatres around the world. It is expected that the Irish Government and others would support the efforts of the Association in raising needed funds and in running an International Competition.
2. INTERPRETATIVE BUILDING
The existing Church of Ireland, though modest, could be converted into a suitable Interpretative Centre and interactive displays on computers would be available for a discerning public. The Church itself would be restored and given a new life and additional space may be created by the insertion of a balcony or mezzanine floor at an upper level.
The building is regarded as one of the finer, but smaller, Churches in the Republic of Ireland and it is hoped that the State and the Irish Heritage Council will financially support the restoration of the building.
3. REZONING AND PLANNING
Although the Church at Kiltoom is outside any urban area it is hoped that it would be zoned as Public Survey Exhibition Space, and that access to the site would be facilitated by actions of Roscommon County Council, the Planning Authority of the area. Discussions are ongoing regarding car parking, bus parking, and access and egress points to the site. It is, however, envisaged that the County Council would be sympathetic towards the plans for the development now being finalised.
4. LONG TERM PLANS
It is hoped that adjoining lands could be acquired to supplement the Interpretative Centre and the Memorial and that these additional lands would be made available for bus parking and car parking and that a second building would be erected on the adjacent site which would act as an Exhibition Centre and Lecture Theatre. Access for all would be available and suitable toilet facilities and a cafeteria would also be proposed as part of this long term development. It is expected that, perhaps four to five bus tours with school children and other visitors would visit the site each week during the summer. It is not incorrect to say that the target for visit numbers for the year would be of the order of 50,000. It will take two to three years to build up this number with visitor attractions but with the support of those who have expressed interest, this should be possible.
5. FUNDING
Fundraising efforts will commence in the very near future and plans are now being prepared for suitable presentation to Funding Authorities. Such plans will give the public a much better idea of what the Association proposes. It will also be a discussion point to ensure that what is eventually constructed on site will meet with the approval of all members.
APPEAL
If you would like to receive further information regarding the proposals of the Association, contact the undersigned and obviously any financial support which you can give would be acknowledged and very much appreciated. Please send your subscriptions etc, to:
Declan P. Hughes
Irish Veterans Historical Research Centre Ltd
Capel Chambers
119 Capel Street
Dublin 1
Republic of Ireland
e-mail: Sec@IrishVeteransResearch.com
(please put IRISH VETERANS in the subject line)
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