Idle buildings in Athlone's Connaught Street being turned into social housing

Athlone councillor Aengus O'Rourke has welcomed progress on plans to turn three idle properties on Connaught Street into social housing units.

He said seven residential units would be created at numbers 36, 53, and 59 on the west side street, with the council awarding the engineering contract for the work to Thomas Campbell Consulting Engineers Ltd.

Construction contracts for the new homes are expected to be awarded in the coming months.

"Apart from the fact that these seven homes are badly needed, it is also very important to get the regeneration of Connaught Street underway," said Cllr O'Rourke.

He described the project as "great news for the west side," noting that it followed on from planning permission being granted last year for 21 new apartments on the street.

Developer Ledbro Limited was awarded planning approval in September for the apartments at a site which takes in 20 Connaught Street, 7 Patrick Street, and Harry's Lane.

"It all adds up to a major investment in the street. However, unfortunately, too many private properties still lie idle and tired," said Cllr O'Rourke.

"While Westmeath County Council now own and have plans for a number of properties on Connaught Street, the pace of investment and refurbishment by private property owners is not where it needs to be.

"There are many good, vibrant businesses and responsible property owners on Connaught Street but there are also too many tired and unkempt buildings at the same time.

"This is despite the fact that Westmeath County Council's Shopfront Enhancement Scheme is available to grant aid the refurbishment of business premises. Unfortunately, only four premises in five years have applied for the scheme on Connaught Street.

"Recently, one idle, abandoned private building was facing collapse until the council stepped in to make it safe at a cost in excess of €100,000. I have no doubt Westmeath County Council will reluctantly end up owning this building.

"And this is how many of the properties have ended up in council ownership - they were either abandoned or gifted to the local authority, which is never an ideal situation."

Looking ahead, he said he would be working to build on the momentum created by the addition of new housing units on the west side of the Shannon.

"I live and work in this part of town. I believe it has huge potential and I think these particular developments can be the launch pad for greater ongoing investment and improvement," he concluded.