Mayor 'frustrated' at delay to Athlone's biggest housing scheme

The delay in getting construction work started on Plover's Wood, Kilnafadogue, Athlone, has been described as “disappointing” at the April meeting of Westmeath County Council.

Cllr Frankie Keena made the comment as he pointed out that the contract for 576-home development – the largest in the region – had been signed in December 2024.

“So far, no sod has been turned on site,” he said, describing the delay as frustrating and annoying, saying he understood there were title transfer issues still to be resolved.

“I can't understand how these kind of title exchanges could not have taken place long before, because this particular development is a proposal that's been on the table for six or seven years, and it’s now four to five months since the contract was signed,” he said, adding that everyone was aware of the necessity to get housing starts underway.

Director of Services Jackie Finney assured Cllr Keena that the deeds of transfer have taken place, but said rectifications are required to covenants within the deed of transfer.

“It's basically between solicitors from the housing agency and the developer’s funders - so the banks - but it is progressing,” she said, adding it was her understanding the rectifications were to be approved by the board of the housing agency at their next meeting, in early May.