Hopes Athlone Castle will re-open in mid-October

Athlone Town Council hopes to be in a position to open the doors of Athlone Castle by mid-October. Work on the much-delayed refurbishment of the flagship tourist attraction is progressing well albeit a little behind schedule, Athlone Town Clerk Hugh O'Reilly admitted to members at their monthly meeting on Monday last. Issuing a report on the project, he pointed out that the main building work is substantially complete and fit-out of display cabinets and A/V equipment is well underway. The castle and gallery projects are scheduled for completion by September 24 next, but there may be a little carryover in terms of a snag list, he said. Timings have been missed along the way but I would like to see it opened sooner rather than later,Cllr Mark Cooney commented having heard the update at the meeting. He queried when the building will actually be handed over the council? By the end of September, I would guess, Mr O'Reilly replied. The Athlone Town Clerk said he anticipates the snags will take one to two weeks to complete, while work is already underway on other issues like the ticketing system involving IT staff. It's also hoped to complete work on the wall of the castle as well and the council is in talks with the OPW in relation to that, Mr Reilly said, adding that anticipate being in a position to open the doors of the castle in mid-October. A site visit to the art gallery and castle has been arranged for Athlone Town Councillors to see what is happening on the ground in both projects has been arranged for Friday, September 21 next at 4pm, the meeting heard. An official opening of the castle will not be held until February.