As plans to enhance the town centre within Athlone continue to evolve, Athlone Town Mayor, Cllr Aengus O’Rourke has expressed his dissatisfaction with the “slow progress” pertaining to the Athlone Tourism and Cultural Quarter development.
One of three urban regeneration projects detailed for Athlone under the Government’s Project Ireland 2040 strategy, the Athlone Tourism and Cultural Quarter development will, when completed, realise the enhancement of the westside of the town.
Speaking to the Athlone Advertiser, Cllr O’Rourke, noted that while westside investment has been notable along the banks of the River Shannon, there has been insufficient progress regarding the myriad of streets within the area.
“In November 2018, the Government awarded Westmeath County Council approximately €3.5m to progress a plan to regenerate the westside of Athlone, in particular Connaught Street, O’Connell Street, Barrack Street and Pearse Street.
“There has been little or no progress once you move through the streets of old Athlone. These streets were once the thriving commercial heart of Athlone and, while such retails days are unlikely to return, we desperately need to reimagine the west side of our town.
“Such reimagining is taking far too long. In fact, for many it is already too late. Many have locked up their premises and in some cases, the property vultures have already been and gone.
“I live and I work on the west side of Athlone and it is a great location for any business. There are some great personnel working on this side of town. It is also the location for so many State services, but there are too many vacant, derelict and abandoned properties.
“Without a plan, backed by funding and meaningful incentives, there is little hope for the future and it appears that the westside seems to be forever in transition.
“Imaginative planning applications lodged in recent years for both Connaught Street and Pearse Street were refused. In all, it is hard not to feel angry at the lack of progress.
“For the Council to only now talk about employing a consultant to devise a plan for these streets is very disappointing.
“At a recent Municipal District meeting we were expecting a presentation on the progress for the west side which I was eagerly anticipating, only to be told that the plan has not yet been devised with a consultant to be appointed later this year.
“As of now, there is no plan and that is simply not good enough. I will keep working to remind the Council executive that the time has come for action and there can be no more delays,” the Town Mayor asserted.
Echoing similar sentiments to the Town Mayor, Cllr Frankie Keena welcomed a short presentation at a recent Municipal District sitting which detailed a general overview of the intended west side regeneration.
“A general overview of the Athlone Tourism and Cultural Quarter project was presented detailing the size of the study area which stretches from St Peter’s Square to Battery Bridge, along the canal to Ranelagh, culminating at the town bridge.
“As it is a wide area, I requested for more detail to be provided and in particular the need to outline the phases of work and the timelines for delivery. People living on the west side of Athlone need to get clarity and I will make sure that this is provided,” Cllr Keena stated.
Cllr Keena noted his concern that this particular regeneration project was not progressing as swiftly as both the Athlone Town Centre Enhancement and Loughaniskin developments.
“I am very anxious that the third project on the Connaught side of Athlone is not left behind. There is a need to have a cultural led regeneration of St. Peter’s Square, Connaught Street and environs to support and encourage all local businesses to open up in the area. This area is rich in culture and heritage and enjoys the presence of excellent accommodation facilities, pubs and restaurants.
“Also included in this project is the rejuvenation of the natural heritage amenity in the area by way of the enhancement of the Athlone Canal and Ranelagh areas.
“The opportunities at Ranelagh range to the creation of a linear town park including the restoration of the No.1 Gun Battery. There is no major urban public park on the west side of Athlone and I do feel that this is an ideal location to provide one.
“The River Shannon is our jewel in the crown as a tourist attraction and we need to incorporate our long adopted waterfront strategy in this particular project. Infrastructure to support fishing, boating and riverside walks have to be included.
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“I am very much aware that significant progress has been made on the Athlone Town Centre Enhancement project which entails a proposal to pedestrianise part of Sean Costello Street from the Ulster Bank to Dunnes Stores and the purchasing of the former O’Neill’s pub site with subsequent provision of wide pavements. This project should be going out to Part 8 planning shortly.
“In conjunction with this, consultants have engaged with wider communities on the Loughaniskin site to ascertain views on how they would like to see this project developed. There is a great opportunity to develop a major mixed use development on this key strategic site.
Recognised as the Midlands Gateway under the National Planning Framework 2040, the three designated urban regeneration projects, when completed, will transform the landscape of Athlone, enhancing its presence as a major provincial town.
