Uncertainty remains over future of Athlone M6 service area

Over a year on from when tenders were first sought for a new motorway rest area near Athlone, the National Roads Authority (NRA) can still give no indication of when motorists can expect to be able to buy a coffee or take a toilet break on the M6 from Kinnegad to Galway. Initially, it had been thought the service area earmarked for the Fassagh townland, around nine kilometres east of Athlone, would be in operation by 2013, however, that seems highly unlikely as no contracts have been awarded for the project as of yet. Question marks also remain over about the funding commitment for the service area project, being developed as part of a public private partnership. "Negotiations with tenderers for a public private partnership scheme to operate service areas on the N6 near Athlone, the N9 near Kilcullen and the M11 near Gorey are at an advanced stage." Minister of State at the Department of Transport Alan Kelly told the Seanad on May 3 last. However, a spokesperson for the National Roads Authority could give no updated timeframe on the service station plans, save to say the negotiations were advanced but ongoing. A new overpass is needed for the Athlone service area, which will be located on only one side of the road as the NRA previously said the traffic volumes didn't justify a rest area on both sides of the stretch. Back in late 2009, planning approval and a compulsory purchase order was granted for the development of the service station at a 10.6 hectare site in the townlands of Fassagh, Glen and Killogeenaghan, but it was later shelved due to funding cuts. In 2011 it was decided to progress the much needed piece of motorway infrastructure as a public private partnership project. The facilities for the service station will include 24-hour services, public toilets and showers, food provision from 6am to 10pm, parking facilities for cars and heavy goods vehicles, and indoor and outdoor children's play areas. There are just three service areas at present along Ireland's motorway network. A service area opened on the M4 close to Enfield but there is currently no such service area on the M6 from Kinnegad west.