Proposed covered hotel terrace would be 'focal point' for users of cycleway bridge

Covering and extending the Radisson Blu Hotel terrace on the banks of the Shannon would allow the area to be used throughout the year, offering patrons unobstructed views across the river and act as a “focal point” for users of the new pedestrian bridge.

That's the view expressed in a new planning application lodged recently by Inua Athlone General Partner Limited, who are seeking approval for a new single storey flat roofed external glazed function room extending from the existing hotel façade onto the terrace with a retractable roof.

A change of use of one existing meeting room with existing access to the hotel terrace to a coffee dock and a store is another aspect of the plans for the popular hotel, located in Northgate Street.

While it had been hoped the new cycleway bridge would be in place by Easter, the council confirmed last month that the timeframe for the bridge's opening had "slipped a bit" because the cold weather in January which caused delays to work on the eye-catching new structure. The opening is now expected to happen at some stage in the weeks following Easter and a definitive date has yet to be announced.

“The existing terrace is used as a seating area in the summer, it is proposed that this new extension will allow this area be used throughout the year,” a Design and Access Statement lodged in support of the new proposal by the applicant states, allowing patrons “clear and unobstructed views across the Shannon to the Luan Gallery and the Church of Saints Peter and Paul. It will give users of the new pedestrian bridge a focal point crossing the river from West to East,” the report adds.

Arguing that the use of the terrace area will be ancilliary to the use of the hotel itself, the planning documents maintain that the project will allow patrons “a sheltered area” to dine and enjoy the Shannonside setting and will not have undue effects on the residents of the apartments within the overall development.

The increase in the floor area “will not increase footfall”, but rather will “enhance the experience of the user,” the applicant contends, adding that all of the external finishes will match that of the existing hotel.

A decision on the plans is expected from Westmeath County Council by April 18 next.