A feasibility study pertaining to the possible reopening of the Athlone canal for navigation purposes was proposed at the Municipal District meeting recently.
Mooting the proposal, Town Mayor, Cllr. Frankie Keena stated that there was potential for such an occurrence.
"Reopening the canal for navigational purposes would reinforce our local identity and would be of immense benefit for local businesses. It would also bring about a sense of pride in our town and enhance the west side of Athlone," Cllr. Keena enthused.
Noting the Town Mayor's comments, Cllr. Aengus O'Rourke stated that it was perhaps time to return to the topic at hand.
"When I think back to 2013 and the relevant study which was prepared that year, we were looking at quite a large cost for such a development. To allow the movement of craft along a navigable canal would involve the raising of the Galway bridge. Yes, we should give the matter due consideration but firstly, the canal requires a complete clean up in order to enhance it as an amenity," Cllr. O'Rourke added.
Concluding, the Town Mayor, noted that any development with regard to the canal would be part of a west side regeneration, an issue which is currently being address by Senator Gabrielle McFadden.
