Pictured today at the signing of the contract for the Mardyke Street and Sean Costello Street enhancement project in Athlone were: (Front) Deirdre Reilly, Head Of Regeneration, Westmeath County Council; Pat Gallagher, CEO Westmeath County Council; Aengus O' Rourke, Council Cathoirleach; John Cradock, Managing Director of John Cradock Ltd; and Jackie Finney, Athlone Moate Municipal District Manager. (Back) Clare Morris, McAdam Design; David Jones, Director Of Services Westmeath County Council; Victor Smyth, Director John Cradock Ltd; Blathnaid Cox, Westmeath County Council; Willie Ryan, District Engineer, Westmeath County Council; and Patrick Kenny, Resident Engineer, John Cradock Ltd. Photo: Paul Molloy.

Athlone street revamp to start next month as contract is signed

Adrian Cusack

Published: Mon 23 Jan 2023, 7:04 PM

Last updated: Mon 23 Jan 2023, 7:25 PM

The latest multi-million euro redevelopment of Athlone's streetscape is due to get underway next month, after a contract for the project was signed earlier today (Monday).

The project will see Mardyke Street and Pump Lane being given an overhaul, while a section of Sean Costello Street, from Flannery's pub to Mardyke Street, will be pedestrianised.

Work on site is scheduled to begin in the third week in February, and to last for thirteen months in total.

The Kildare-based civil engineering and building firm John Cradock Ltd was today formally appointed as the contractor for the project, having previously completed the €4m redevelopment of Church Street in Athlone in 2018.

The Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Cllr Aengus O'Rourke, welcomed the contract signing, saying his only regret was that it hadn't happened sooner.

"Covid and other things delayed it slightly, but it's great to get it underway, to have contracts signed, and to have good, reputable companies on board to carry out the work," he said.

He commented that the new-look streetscape would "enhance the appeal of Athlone Town Centre and provide a pleasant, pedestrian-friendly, space".

A design image showing what the Mardyke Street area is expected to look like when the project is completed in the Spring of 2024.

In a statement issued today, Westmeath County Council said the new streetscape would "seamlessly integrate" with the previous scheme on Church Street and would involve "natural stone surface treatments, street furniture, and lighting improvements along Mardyke Street and Pump Lane.

"In addition, Sean Costello Street will be pedestrianised, creating an open and inviting link between the retail areas within the town centre of Athlone," it said.

Westmeath County Council chief executive Pat Gallagher said the Athlone project was one of several regeneration initiatives in the county which would "revitalise our town centres, ensuring that they are welcoming and attractive places that are accessible and appealing to all regardless of age or ability."

Some €4.13m in Government funding was allocated for the Athlone project two years ago.