An Post assessing potential housing use for Coosan mail centre site

An Post is seeking to engage with Westmeath County Council over the possibility of zoning land including its existing Coosan mail centre for housing use.

The semi-state body in a submission on the draft county development plan said it would welcome the opportunity to engage with the council during its preparation of a separate Athlone Joint Urban Area Plan which would designate land use zoning objectives for the area.

An Post said its site comprised 2.2 hectares and includes the former An Post depot, car park and an adjacent greenfield area.

It said over the last decade, it had centralised its operations in Athlone to a modern facility at Athlone Business Park, which was built in 2003.

The Coosan facility has been largely used as an overspill facility.

An Post said it is now “assessing the feasibility of providing an alternative use on the site”.

It said the existing zoning is for 'enterprise & employment' uses.

“This zoning objective restricts the potential uses of the site and many not permit the type of uses envisaged for the site by An Post.

In its submission, agents for An Post pointed out that Athlone is identified as a regional growth centre, with a population of 30,000 envisaged by 2031 and with a minimum of 30% of new homes to be provided within the existing built-up areas of Athlone.

“It is submitted that given the prevailing uses in the area, the subject site should be considered as an appropriate location for the future provision of residential development and ancillary services.”

The semi-state argued that the location of its Coosan site, means it “could be well-placed to provide sustainable residential development” in according with the objectives of the National Planning Framework and the RSES.

The comments came as part of a broader submission on the draft county development plan for Westmeath, in which An Post sought 'supportive policies' for its ambition to enhance postal facilities in the county.