Decision time for pub rebuilding plans

Some ten months after Charlie's Bar was completely gutted by fire, the future of rebuilding plans for the hostelry on the Dublin Road in Athlone will become clearer this week.

Westmeath County Council planners are due to announce a decision by Wednesday next, July 20, on a proposal which would see the venue rise from the ashes.

Seamus Maylnn submitted the plans last February, seeking the green light to demolish the existing premises also known as Charlie Brown's public house and an associated bookmakers, and to contruct new public house in its place with an ATM and all associated site works.

The pause button was pressed on the project in April, when the council sought further information on aspects of the project before making a final decision.

That was supplied by the applicant at the end of June, who answered questions raised by two submissions in relation to a Construction and Environmental Management Plan, noise, bin storage and litter.

An early morning blaze on September 12 last year, gutted the popular hostelry and an adjacent bookies.

At the time, the operators of the premises spoke of their heartbreak in a post on the Charlie's Bar Facebook page, before thanking everyone who supported them with “water, food, love and support" following the devastating blaze.