Senator Gabrielle McFadden has called on the Government to locate a newly proposed development agency in Athlone.
The National Regeneration and Development Agency will be established to ensure that vacant or under-used land in villages, towns and cities will be put into use for sustainable growth in the area.
This is a part of the Government’s 2040 long term strategy for co-ordinated and planned future development in Ireland.
Senator McFadden says Athlone is the perfect location for the new agency.
“Athlone acts as a gateway to the West and Northwest of Ireland,” she said. “It is in the heart of the country, straddling two provinces, two regional authorities, and is the meeting point for rail, river, gas and road, as well as having a thriving third level college. It has a social and cultural infrastructure unrivaled in the region.”
Senator McFadden says this project would not suit built up areas like Dublin, and that this is a strong reason for why she has written to Minister Eoghan Murphy asking him to locate it in Athlone.
“I campaigned hard to have Athlone given special designation as part of Project 2040 . Now that we have been given designation, I am asking the minister to give it real life and meaning by making a decision in favour of Athlone,” she commented.
