There was a welcome development with regard to local infrastructural improvement this week as the Derries Junction upgrade works formally commenced, Town Mayor, Cllr Aengus O’Rourke, confirmed.
“I have long stressed the urgent need for the reconstruction of this infamous junction on the old Dublin Road, close to Athlone Institute of Technology.
“I met with the residents in this regard last year and following those meetings, the Council agreed to draw up a design for the junction.
“Once I had the design and a plan, I was determined to push for the money through the Council and the Department of Transport. Thankfully, a sum totalling €70,000, was secured for the upgrade works earlier this year.
“The process since then has involved some discussions between the Council and private land owners. Thankfully, those discussions ended in agreement some weeks ago, and we can now get on with the necessary improvement works at the Derries junction.
“I am very pleased for the residents of the Derries in particular. They have for too long tolerated the junction which is simply not fit for purpose. It is very tight with extremely poor sight lines on both sides along the old Dublin Road.
“The old Dublin road is the busiest road in Athlone, so getting on to the Dublin road from the Derries Road was a persistent nuisance at all times during the week.
“I would like to thank Barry Kehoe, Director of Service for Athlone, Westmeath County Council, for his assistance with this matter and indeed the local land owners for their co-operation,” Cllr O’Rourke remarked.
