Watermains work being carried out in the centre of Athlone today (Monday)

Closure of Athlone's Church Street begins for watermains work

The closure of Athlone's Church Street to facilitate a watermains replacement project has started today (Monday).

Traffic passing through the town will be affected until August as sections of the central thoroughfare are to remain closed for approximately six weeks.

The watermain's replacement project - which is being completed on behalf of the council by contractor Shareridge Ltd - started in January and previously forced a lengthy closure of Northgate Street.

The first of three two-week phases of work on Church Street started today and closed the street from Custume Place (outside the Genoa Cafe) to the Prince of Wales Hotel.

As a result, east-bound traffic crossing the town bridge is now being diverted down Northgate Street and along by Southern Station Road.

'Road closure' signs are in place at the traffic lights in front of Dunnes Stores in Irishtown and vehicular access between these lights and the Prince of Wales Hotel is currently being restricted to 'local access only'. 

Local councillors are to hold a special meeting at Athlone Civic Centre this afternoon to discuss the watermains project.