Mayor Frankie Keena has called a special incommittee meeting this week of Athlone Municipal District to start the process of identifying and examining major infrastructural projects that would generate both economic and social benefits to the Athlone and wider areas.
Under the National Planning Framework 2040 plan, Athlone is included with four other towns and cities to gain from a €2 billion budget.
Speaking this week, the Mayor stressed the need for the Municipal District to be prepared and ready to submit relevant infrastructural projects when applications are invited.
‘As Mayor I want plenty of time to be given to the process so that appropriate research can be carried out on each proposal. It is necessary to have all work prepared and ready for submitting’, Cllr. Keena stated.
Projects such as extending street enhancement works further to include the Mardyke Street, Pumphouse Lane, Irishtown and St. Peter’s Square areas need to be considered, plus the development of the Railway field link road and also a new link road between the Regional Sports Centre and the Retreat Road. I would also like to see a feasibility study carried out on the possibility of reopening the Athlone Canal. Housing supply must also be a high priority’, the Mayor stressed.
