2022 start for next Athlone regeneration project

The major urban regeneration project planned for the Sean Costello, Mardyke Street and Pump Lane areas of Athlone could get underway early next year, after the project received the full backing of members of Westmeath County Council this week.

In response to a question from Green Party Cllr Louise Heavin at the June meeting of the Council on Monday, Project Manager for the regeneration scheme, Deirdre Reilly, said detailed design documents for the latest phase of the Athlone street regeneration scheme would be prepared “in the second half of this year” with contractors being appointed “early next year.”

Ms Reilly added that it was hoped that building works could commence “immediately thereafter” the appointment of contractors. “We will proceed as quickly as possible” she said.

Prior to Ms Reilly’s contribution, members of Westmeath County Council gave the final go-ahead for the project after consideration of a detailed report on a public consultation process prepared by the council’s Chief Executive, Pat Gallagher. In his report, Mr. Gallagher conclude that the proposed works would “positively enhance the attractiveness of Sean Costello Street, Mardyke Street and Pump Lane, create a safer environment, promote sustainable mobility, and create a positive social space capable of attracting a vibrant mix of uses.”

The report also stated that the scheme would “complement the recent enhancement works undertaken at Church Street and improve pedestrian connectivity across the town.”

The Chief Executive recommended that the project should proceed “in accordance with the scheme documentation” but added that archaeological monitoring would be required, as well as a detailed landscaping plan for the area.

Cllr John Dolan proposed that the council give the go ahead for the Public Realm Enhancement Works for Sean Costello St,, Mardyke Street and Pump Lane, and said it have him “great pleasure” to propose the project.

It was seconded by Cllr Louise Heavin, who described it as “a great scheme” which will make “a very positive difference to Athlone.” She added that it takes “great courage” to close off a street in any town and pedestrianise it, and she commended the council for making “the right decision.”

Newly-elected Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, and member of Athlone Moate Municipal District, Cllr Frankie Keena, said he was “delighted” to see the Athlone street enhancement scheme on the agenda of the local authority on his first meeting as Cathaoirleach, and he thanked Project Manager, Deirdre Reilly, and her team for their work on the ambitious scheme.

The public realm enhancements include the provision of upgraded footpaths and realignment of existing carriage way along Mardyke Street, including 120m of a shared surface; the pedestrianisation of 90m of Sean Costello Street, from its junction with Pump Lane to its junction with Mardyke Street; provision of street furniture, play equipment, cycle parking, street tree planting, and soft landscaping to enhance biodiversity, and the installation of a priority signalised junction, including enhanced pedestrian facilities, at the junction of Mardyke Street, Gleeson Street, Pump Lane, and St Mary’s Square.

In March, a €4.1m funding allocation for the project was announced by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien and local Minister of State Longford/Westmeath TD Peter Burke. Work could commence as soon as early 2022, it's been stated. The funding was allocated under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF). The area involved is contained in a roughly triangular block that extends from the main entrance to the Athlone Towncentre Shopping Centre development to the former O’Neill’s site which the council has acquired through compulsory purchase order.