'Overdue' lighting upgrade for Athlone Castle and town bridge delayed again

The Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council has expressed his disappointment that the long-awaited upgrading of lights on Athlone Castle and the Town Bridge has been delayed once again.

Cllr Frankie Keena called for enhanced lighting at the two locations in an effort to provide “a greater sense of security and safety” for local people and tourists who use this area on a regular basis, saying this was "long overdue."

In a written response to his question on the issue at the May meeting of Athlone Moate Municipal District, Cllr Keena was told that “external expertise” was required for the “detailed specification and design” of the lighting project.

“This will be procured as soon as practicable but, given the pressure of work on time-bound projects, it is likely to be later this year,’’ stated the response from the Westmeath County Council executive.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent, Cllr Keena said he had been raising the issue of enhanced lighting “for up to two years” and that he had been given “a more definite timeline” in previous responses.

“This is a very important project for Athlone, and it is now time for it to be delivered,” said the Fianna Fail councillor.

“I understand there are a significant number of project demands on the council at the moment, but I fear that this particular job is now being put on the back boiler.”

Cllr Keena described Athlone Castle as “one of our flagship tourist destinations” and said it was “incumbent on the local authority to install without delay the appropriate high spec lighting that it rightly deserves.”

In parallel, he also pointed out that the existing lighting on the iconic Athlone Town Bridge was “not working” and needs an immediate upgrade.

“We need to provide a greater senses of security and safety for the local people and tourists who use this area on a regular basis,” he said, “so this project must proceed without any further delays.”