Athlone's one-way system came into effect three years ago today

The one-way traffic system through the centre of Athlone came into effect three years ago today, on February 15, 2018.

The two-way traffic that had been in place along Mardyke Street and Church Street was changed to a single-direction westbound flow to facilitate the town's €4m streetscape revamp.

An 'Orange Loop' route was promoted by the council to help explain to motorists how best to get around town once the new system was in place.

Signage was also erected on approach roads to the town to help publicise the one-way introduction.

Nevertheless, there were teething problems when the system came into effect, with long traffic tailbacks and confusion evident at a number of junctions.

"This is a major change and, like all major changes, it will take time for people to get used to it," said Westmeath County Council official Pat Keating in the days after the system was implemented.

"Of course there will be small problems from time to time but I would really urge everyone to be patient and to give the new system a chance to work."

One-way traffic had long been a contentious subject in Athlone, particularly after it was introduced on a trial basis, and then scrapped, in 2008.

The council designed the Church Street streetscape redevelopment with the aim of transforming it "from a thoroughfare dominated by traffic to a street that is pedestrian-focused with wider accessible footpaths."

The new-look street was formally opened by the Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Cllr John Dolan, at an event in April 2019.