Athlone based Senator, Gabrielle McFadden, has called for ATM machines to be installed on the west side of the town.
“Starting from the bridge in the centre of Athlone and heading west, the nearest ATM machine is more than one mile of a walk away. From the same point, heading east, there are more than a dozen ATMs within a one-mile radius.
“I am currently leading an initiative to look at ways to rejuvenate the west side of Athlone and this is just one issue that has come to my attention. While the commercial centre of the town has moved eastwards in recent decades, the west still has a lot to offer and I am determined that it can be a vibrant tourist, commercial and residential area for the future. An ATM is just part of the fabric of any urban area that most people, tourists or locals would expect.
“The ‘Left Bank’ area, taking in the Luan Gallery, Athlone Castle, the Quay, Castle Street, Main Street and High Street is an area popular with tourists, home to many fine restaurants and pubs, including the oldest pub in Ireland, Sean's Bar - and is a base for viking cruises and other tourist attractions.
“I have written to the banks, asking them to consider putting just one ATM in this area, but I am also suggesting to local businesses that this is a service that would be appreciated by many," Senator McFadden highlighted.
