Is Athlone's westside dying?

An Athlone councillor is to ask Westmeath County Council to devise plans to regenerate Connaught Street and Pearse Street on the westside of Athlone.

Cllr Aengus O'Rourke has tabled a motion to this effect for Monday's meeting of the Athlone Municipal District of Westmeath County Council.

Cllr O'Rourke runs his own business, Midland Print + Graphic Design, from Pearse Street.

His comments come in the wake of a number of business closures on the streets, including Callinan's Butchers and A Slice of Life restaurant, which will close its doors tomorrow (Friday).

Cllr O'Rourke's motion reads: 'In light of the extremly high vacancy levels in both commercial and residential properties on Connaught Street and Pearse Street, that Westmeath County Council would immediately engage with all stakeholders to examine options regarding regeneration and incentives to assist in rebuilding and reusing these once vibrant commercial streets.'

During the controversy over the proposed extension of Westmeath's boundary into Roscommon recently, angry Roscommon councillors suggested that it might be time for Roscommon council to take back Athlone's westside which has been in the control of Westmeath County Council for many years.