Decision on oneway traffic plan deferred

A decision on a plan to develop a new one-way system in Athlone has been put on hold, after councillors opted to defer the matter until later in the month.

A proposal involving the routing of east-west traffic down Griffith Street, The Strand and Custume Place and back onto Athlone bridge, had been initially proposed. However, after councillors expressed concern about this, the council gave an undertaking that this route will not now be part of the plan.

It had led to huge concern among local residents, who organised two public meetings over the past week, after the details of the plan was revealed by The Westmeath Independent last week.

At the meeting of Athlone Municipal District this afternoon, there was general agreement that no decision should be made on the traffic plan until councillors are furnished with a consultant’s report on the plans.

The importance of consulting with stakeholders including local residents, businesses and the chamber of commerce was stressed.

The plan is part of a proposal to regenerate Church Street. While there was agreement that Church Street needs to be improved, councillors were of the view that further consideration of the proposals are required.

The council is hoping to obtain €1.5m in funding from an EU fund, matched by €1.5m from its own resources and through national grants. An application for funding needs to be made by the end of the month and councillors will meet again on Thursday, October 22, to discuss the plan.

** For a full report on the meeting, see this week’s Westmeath Independent, on sale on Wednesday.