Public information session next week on Athlone's new urban area plan

Officials from Westmeath and Roscommon County Councils will be in attendance on Thursday next for a "public information drop-in session" as part of the development of the Athlone Joint Urban Area Plan, 2024-2030.

The consultation event will be held in the Aidan Heavey Library, in Athlone Civic Centre, from 2pm to 7pm on Thursday, January 25.

The six-year plan for the town is currently at the initial, pre-draft consultation, stage and a 'Strategic Issues Paper' has been published as the first step.

The two councils said the issues paper was designed "to stimulate discussion and encourage public participation at this stage of the plan-making process".

Public submissions on the Strategic Issues Paper can be made until Thursday, February 1, and the local authorities are encouraging people to take part in the process and "get involved in shaping the future of Athlone".

The plan will cover the future development of Athlone on the east and west of the Shannon, including the Monksland and Bealnamulla areas.

A statement issued on behalf of the councils said: "The Strategic Issues Paper presents a broad overview of some of the key issues and challenges affecting Athlone which may need to be addressed by the new Joint Urban Area Plan.

"Submissions received on the issues paper as part of the consultation process will inform the preparation of the Draft Athlone Joint Urban Area Plan, an important policy document that has the potential to directly impact every individual and group living, working and visiting in Athlone.

"The Draft Joint Urban Area Plan will detail Westmeath and Roscommon County Councils’ overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of Athlone over a six-year period from 2024-2030.

"The Athlone Joint Urban Area Plan will seek to develop and improve, in a sustainable manner, the social, economic, environmental and cultural assets of the town."

To make a submission, or for more information on the development of the plan, see: athlonejointplan.ie.