Westmeath Independent
Below are recent stories by Deirdre Verney
Published: 22 Aug 2012 17:30
Athlone swimmer conquers Lough Ree
An incredible 50,000 plus strokes from Lanesboro to Athlone. That's what local man Jim O'Connor completed to become the first ever person to solo swim the length of Lough Ree on Saturday last.
Published: 22 Aug 2012 17:30
Council approves Brideswell wind farm
A controversial 76 million wind farm spanning parts of Brideswell and Taughmaconnell has got the seal of approval from Roscommon County Council.
Published: 28 Jul 2012 09:30
Local household charge activist to stand for election
Local anti-household charge campaigner Gordon Hudson has pledged to stand in the next local elections for a new party due to be launched shortly.
Published: 25 Jul 2012 18:02
Local bishop's controversial comments on unwed couples
The Bishop of Elphin Christopher Jones has come out strongly against cohabiting couples this week, saying that it brings children into an "unstable environment" where the couple are unwilling to commit themselves to marriage.
Published: 25 Jul 2012 17:59
New school for ACC held up until 2014
Athlone Community College will have to wait until May 2014 for its long-promised 1,000-pupil new school, over a full-academic year later than originally planned.
Published: 25 Jul 2012 17:45
Household charge shortfalls hit councils
Major cuts to council services in Roscommon and Westmeath look inevitable over the coming months as both local authorities grapple with shortfalls in Government funding as a result of the household charge non-compliance.
Published: 25 Jul 2012 17:30
No funding for garda station revamp in 2012
The long wait for the planned multi-million euro refurbishment of Athlone Garda Station looks set to continue - after the Office of Public Works (OPW) confirmed there is no indication of funding becoming available for the project this year.
Published: 25 Jul 2012 17:00
Lottery luck for Taughmaconnell woman!
A Taughmaconnell woman walked away with a grand total of 41,000 in winnings after appearing on RTE's Big Money game show on Saturday last.
Published: 18 Jul 2012 18:00
Has Athlone's Joe McCaul got the X-Factor?
Local singer Joe McCaul is keeping mum this week amid growing speculation that he is on his way to X-Factor bootcamp.
Published: 18 Jul 2012 17:30
13 million AIT arena to be ready by December
Athlone IT's status on the country's sporting map looks set to grow with news that the first phase of the 13 million indoor sports arena is due to be complete by December.
Published: 18 Jul 2012 17:30
Countdown to Olympics continues for local girl
With less than ten days to go to the Opening Ceremony of the London Olympics, the excitement is building for a Ballymahon drummer who will be among the cast of thousands performing in the Olympic stadium.
Published: 12 Jul 2012 17:00
"Athlone project could be another Chinese ghost town"
A prominent academic has warned of a "distinct possibility" that the planned Chinatown development in Athlone could become a ghost town if it ever materialises.
Published: 12 Jul 2012 11:30
Local support for conservation project to boost bogland bird numbers
The red grouse, known in Irish as Cearc Fraoigh - or the 'heather hen' is one of Ireland's most iconic native game birds..
Published: 11 Jul 2012 17:31
Taughmaconnnell hosts first All-Ireland tug of war finals
Despite a gallant effort on home turf, Taughmaconnell Tug of War club lost out at the final hurdle in a keenly contested All-Ireland 680kg Novice competition on Sunday last.
Published: 11 Jul 2012 09:30
Coosan memorial to remember those who lost lives on Shannon
A new memorial garden to remember all those who have lost their lives on the Shannon is earmarked for the picturesque area of Coosan Point.
Published: 27 Jun 2012 18:25
No emergency plan to deal with Shannon flooding
Farmers gather on riverside to voice anger
Published: 13 Jun 2012 17:30
Economic report to gauge impact of barracks downgrading
A report is to be drawn up within days to lay bare the economic and social impact any potential downgrade of Custume Barracks would have on Athlone.
Published: 13 Jun 2012 09:30
Athlone Credit Union set to open sub-office in Monksland
Athlone Credit Union has signalled plans to expand into the Monksland area in the coming months.
Published: 25 Apr 2012 16:10
Local fears about fresh World Heritage status bid for Clonmacnois
The Chairperson of Clonmacnois Action Group John Dolan has voiced fears that the department will proceed with the same controversial proposals to gain World Heritage status for the monastic site which were unacceptable to local residents last time round.
Published: 25 Apr 2012 16:00
Moate Tidy Towns hopeful 4,000 mown daffodils will be replaced
Members of Moate Tidy Towns are hopeful that they will be compensated for the 4,000 daffodils cut down during grass cutting in the town some weeks ago after the council confirmed they are investigating the incident.
Published: 25 Apr 2012 16:00
Weather blamed for four motorway accidents
Bad weather was cited as a major factor in four separate accidents on the motorway between Athlone and Ballinasloe on Sunday.
Published: 18 Apr 2012 17:30
Over 50 new jobs on the way at DPD in Athlone
Over 50 new jobs are in the offing at Athlone-based courier company DPD over the next 18 months.
Published: 18 Apr 2012 17:30
Potential delay to decision on huge China project
An Bord Pleanála has stated this week that the so-called Chinatown development is in the "highest category of priority" amid fears that a decision may be delayed by an ongoing backlog in dealing with applications at the board.
Published: 18 Apr 2012 17:30
Appeal lodged in bid to revive Golden Island shopping project
Backers of ambitious plans for another major shopping project in the Golden Island area of Athlone, rejected by the council last month, have launched an appeal to An Bord Pleanála in a bid to revive the project.
Published: 21 Mar 2012 17:30
Council vetoes major Golden Island shopping project
The future of a huge retail project in the Golden Island area with the potential to create hundreds of new jobs is uncertain this week after Athlone Town Council gave the thumbs down to the plans.
Published: 21 Mar 2012 17:30
Garda station expansion project could be years away
The prospect of work beginning on the long-awaited extension and refurbishment of Athlone Garda Station could be some years away, it's emerged this week following a visit to the area by Minister of State Brian Hayes.
Published: 7 Mar 2012 18:00
Two llamas born within 48 hours at Glendeer Pet Farm
Spring has certainly sprung at Glendeer Pet Farm who welcomed their newest arrival - a baby llama on Thursday afternoon.
Published: 7 Mar 2012 17:30
Earlier start for Athlone St Patrick's Day Parade
Organisers of the St Patrick's Day Parade in Athlone are pressing ahead with the event on Saturday, March 17 despite calls for it to be moved to Sunday to facilitate Garrycastle's historic appearance in the All-Ireland Club Final and a homecoming for the team.
Published: 7 Mar 2012 17:21
Fresh start as Minister launches new Athlone homeless service
"Since moving to Slí, I've experienced independence for the first time in my life. I love my flat... In my opinion they have saved my life,".
Published: 7 Mar 2012 16:00
Bog-inspired jewellery in line for major award
For the second year in a row, Ballinahown-based businesswoman Helen Conneely is in the running for the Jewellery Designer of the Year title at the Irish Fashion Innnovation Awards.
