A study into Athlone’s canal planning has unveiled the potential for the tourism, amenity, and community benefits of developing the canal.
The March meeting of Athlone Town Council heard from Laura Courtney, author of the study, who described the canal as “the missing link” in Athlone’s development.
Councillors welcomed the plan, but pointed out that there is no funding for improvements in the current year’s budget.
A recognised loop trail involving the canal would provide a healthy amenity for Athlone’s residents with historical, ecological, and tourism potential, she said, especially if the trail is nationally recognised by the National Trails Office.
Redeveloping the Hammond Lane site to offer offices and incubation facilities for businesses might be a better option than a possible youth site, she said.
She described Battery Park as “a great asset along the canal” but said it needs to be improved.
Re-watering the filled-in section of the canal and providing a boardwalk is a possible long-term action, she said, and described that area as currently “underutilised”. It would also help to create more uniform boundary hedging and fencing along the length of the canal as this would enhance awareness of the amenity and also encourage people to walk the route.
Cllr Mark Cooney said he didn’t want the project to end up on the back burner and asked the executive to look for potential revenue streams within and outside the council’s budget.
He, Cllr Buckley Byrne, and Cllr Moran urged a phased approach to development.
The draft plan will be sent to the Canal Restoration Group and other interested parties, and the recent Battery Heights study will be incorporated before public consultation takes place.
Director of services Barry Kehoe said the council will consider a prioritized, phased project, funding, and costing.
