The new indoor sports arena at AIT, which is nearing construction

Athlone could know whether it is to be awarded the European Town of Sport designation as early as next week.

Judges are understood to be in town over the weekend assessing Athlone's application.

The delegation from the judging committee is also expected to view sporting facilities and local venues over the weekend.

The Federation for the Associations of the European Capitals and Cities of Sport (ACES), awards the title to towns and cities where sport fulfils a fundamental and decisive role in the fabric of the area, contributing to the improvement of the general level of health of the inhabitants, through the culture of healthy and physical exercise.

The European Town of Sport designation is open to towns with a population less than 25,000 people and is seen to provide a boost to sports tourism and sports promotion in a successful location.

Earlier this year Thurles in Tipperary was the first Irish town to be awarded the title of European Town of Sport for 2012. It joined a select number of European towns designated as a European Town of Sport for 2012. Others selected included Atri, Finale Ligure, Savigano sul Rubicone and Valdengo in Italy, and Otura and Pont de Suert in Spain.