Mainly positive reaction to Chinatown news on Athlone streets

Jobs, jobs, jobs. That was the recurring theme from a quick survey on Athlone streets on Tuesday to see what the public makes of the news of planning approval for the massive Chinatown development, earmarked for the Creggan area of Athlone. Of those who spoke to the Westmeath Independent on the day, almost all were positive and new employment was the main reason. A number of people who didn't wish to be named expressed their reservations about the size of the development and whether it will actually ever materialise, while quite a number of others explained that they didn't know much about the massive international trading hub development. * David Costello, Creggan "I'm all for it. It's going to be great for the town, it's positive. It's very close to me, it's actually in the same townland. Most people beside me are in favour of it, not many neighbours objected. It's going to be great for the building trade as well, then they'll employ local people I'm sure(when it opens). I think it's something it's something that we'll get used to. It's going to be nice and bright." * Emma Cosgrave, Athlone "It'll bring more jobs to everywhere and different culture and amusement as well. It's expanding the town." Ken Ng, originally from Hong Kong but living in Athlone "There certainly will be jobs out of it. The size shouldn't matter as it's out of town. There won't be any problems with Chinese in bars etc, it's all about food and culture for them. There is no proper Chinese food here in Athlone at the moment, it's all greasy, so I look forward to this development and real Chinese food." * "This is not going to happen. I'm born and bred in Athlone and I can tell you for a fact that this development will not go ahead. It's pie in the sky," - an Athlone native, who wished to remain anonymous, gives his view on the Chinatown planning approval. * Martin Lyons "It's better Athlone gets it than Cork. Won't it bring in money. My lads are going to college on a rugby scholarship and I'm sure it will make difference for them in the future in terms of jobs. I believe the man in the college is well connected and I'm sure the college will expand as a result. I can see lots of people getting jobs. " *"A lot of people have mixed views on Chinatown. I wouldn't like Athlone to turn into a Chinatown. It's changed a lot already." - a local person who wanted to remain anonymous gives their opinion. * Ademola Agbaje "I think it's good for Athlone. It's going to create a lot of new jobs. There are 1,500 in the first phase of the development and more later. I believe a lot of other Europeans will also come to the town to buy goods, which is going to bring a lot more people to Athlone. That will be good for tourism and hotels. I think it will go ahead, it's going to be developed in phases and they will do the first phase and then if that's goes well go on to the next one."