Plans to further regenerate and enhance the streetscape in Athlone town centre have received a welcome boost following a significant funding announcement by the Government this week.
Funding of €4.1 million allocated under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF ) will be utilised to extend the enhanced streetscape from Church Street (initially completed in 2018 ), into Mardyke Street and Pump Lane. The pedestrianisation of Sean Costello Street will also be included in the next phase of regeneration development.
Welcoming the news, Athlone Town Mayor, Cllr Aengus O’Rourke, stated that the Council continues to work on detailed plans for the next phase of town centre regeneration.
“As a Council we have been working away for some time on plans for the next phase of the regeneration of our town core. The further extension of our Church Street enhancement works can now proceed following a €4.1m funding announcement by our Government.
“We are currently finalising plans for the redevelopment of Mardyke Street, part of Sean Costello Street and Pump Lane and this week the appointed consultants will present a detailed traffic simulation to the Councillors of the Athlone Moate Municipal District for our perusal.
“These simulations are developed from a detailed and enacted traffic study and will demonstrate the impact and subsequent options that the pedestrianisation proposal will have on traffic in the area.
“The triangular block in focus extends from The Corner House Bistro, down to the front of Dunnes Stores, up along Pump Lane and back around by Mardyke Street, a substantial area of ground. The works will take approximately 12 months to complete and are likely to commence before the end of this year or early in 2022.
“The funding allocation also allows for the cost of the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO ) of the O’Neill’s and Finlay sites both of which remain idle 10 years after the fire that destroyed both properties. While nothing has been finalised as of yet, the most likely outcome would be that Westmeath County Council will partner with a private investor to redevelop this site.
“As before, there will be extensive public and stake holder consultation to hear the views of the people and anyone with an interest in the area in question. At the time of the Church Street enhancement works there were extensive consultation opportunities and forums which were very well attended. I hope people engage fully and constructively in this process too.
“This investment by the state in Athlone is significant. So, while the plan is being finalised I would call on the property owners with idle, unsightly or abandoned buildings in the area to start thinking fast about a plan for these buildings. We all need to play our part when it comes to urban regeneration enhancement,” Cllr O’Rourke stated.
Minister of State Affords Positive Thoughts
Fine Gael Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke, stated that the significant funding investment recognised the potential and strategic importance of Athlone.
“Athlone was identified as a key location for growth by Fine Gael in the National Planning Framework in 2018 and the funding announced will add to the existing investment made previously.
“This funding will be a catalyst for regeneration in Athlone and provide much-needed economic stimulus and job creation within the region.
“I commend the Council for their work on this proposal, which was considered by my Department and was deemed successful based on the value it will provide for the town of Athlone and its future development.
“This money is now ring-fenced for the regeneration of Athlone town centre and will see significant investment in developing and upgrading a number of derelict sites within the town which is badly needed and has been flagged by the community for some time.
“The funding will also be used to improve the streetscape and enhance the existing infrastructure on Church Street so the town has a more appealing and modern appearance throughout.
Further investment will be made by the Council for regeneration and re-use of potential brownfield sites within town boundaries, so that we will bring derelict buildings and sites within the town back into use, instead of targeting investment in out-of-town areas while existing buildings are left lie idle in various states of disrepair.
I believe this funding will be transformative for Athlone and will work towards attracting more investment, more top-quality jobs and increase the quality of life for the town’s residents,” Deputy Burke concluded.
Recognised as the Midlands Gateway under the National Planning Framework 2040, a further two urban regeneration projects will significantly enhance the infrastructure within Athlone, the Athlone Tourism and Cultural Quarter Project with its focus on enhancing the streetscape on the west side of the town and the Loughaniskin Project which will see the development of an existing under-utilised strategic urban landbank which adjoins the core area of Athlone.
