Concerns about viability of Athlone 'green city' plan

Concerns over the viability of plans by the Ballymore Group to turn Athlone into a city of 100,000 people by 2040 were expressed at this month’s Athlone Moate Municipal District meeting of Westmeath County Council.

Cllr Frankie Keena brought forward a motion on “the widely reported blueprint plan by the Ballymore Group for Athlone”. He added that council members should have been briefed on any discussions that took place between the Ballymore Group and the executive of Westmeath County Council.

In a written response, the council executive said: “A meeting took place between representatives of the Ballymore Group and the Chief Executive of Westmeath County Council at which high-level discussion took place in relation to the proposals for Athlone by the Ballymore Group, as widely reported in the media.”

The Ballymore Group and its founder Sean Mulryan developed a masterplan for a new green sustainable city in Athlone to cater for a population of 100,000 by 2040, which was widely reported by media in late June.

Mr Mulryan shared his vision for the Athlone of 2040 as a sustainably planned, 15-minute city. Plans included 20,000 new zero carbon homes, the growth of TUS Athlone to 25,000 students, and plans to expand Athlone’s population to reach 100,000 , to name but a few measures.

“While it's great to see Athlone being identified for city status, I am confused about these plans by the Ballymore Group,” said Cllr Keena.

“Athlone has progressed over the years, and it has great potential to continue growing. Elected members should have been in the loop on discussions with the Ballymore group."

Cllr Keena received support from other members of the district, as they noted the need for further details to be brought before the council.

“The people of Athlone were bypassed,” said Cllr Paul Hogan. “We're only 15 years away, and the proposition is to grow our population by 80,000 in that time. There should've been a period of consultation with the public. I'm surprised it was brought to the executive and the media before the elected members. This was a 'kite flying' excercise, and to me, the plan is already lost.”

Director of Services Jackie Finney said: “It was great to see Athlone highlighted in the national media. Any plans like [those proposed by the Ballymore Group] do need to go through planning and zoning. There was a discussion with the executive, but it was not in detail.”

Cllr Keena concluded: “There's a big if – if it comes to fruition at all.”

The council agreed that an invitation for the Ballymore Group to bring further details to the council should be made.