Athlone Joint Urban Area Plan to go on display in early 2026

The adoption of the Athlone Joint Urban Area Plan, a new joint strategy by Westmeath and Roscommon County Councils for the future development of both sides of the town, is expected in July 2026.

The date was confirmed at a Planning, Regeneration and Transportation Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) meeting of Westmeath County Council which took place in TUS Athlone on Friday morning last.

An update on the plan, which outlines the overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of Athlone, east and west of the River Shannon over a six-year period from 2024-2030, was provided by Westmeath County Council Senior Executive Planner Orla McGann.

In her presentation, Ms McGann commended public engagement with the Joint Urban Area strategic issues paper with 52 written submissions received during the consultation period.

The plan's online consultation portal, (www.athlonejointplan.ie) experienced 2,800 visits during the consultation period with approximately 40 people attending public information drop-in sessions relating to the urban development.

Of the 52 submissions received, 26 related to the Monksland/Bealnamulla area in terms of population growth, housing, transport and movement, economic development, sustainable communities and recreation facilities.

"With a projected population of over 31,000 in 2031, the joint urban area plan has a strategic role in identifying lands at appropriate locations to accommodate growth and the corresponding housing demand," Ms McGann explained.

The issue of transport and movement in the joint urban area plan received numerous submissions with active travel and the potential for reopening the Athlone-Mullingar railway line among the subjects raised.

"The issue of sustainable communities was also addressed in submissions received from the public. Relevant submissions called for a town park in the heart of the urban area, the construction of new schools to serve a growing town, the development of a 20-minute city concept and the lack of sufficient car parking facilities," Ms McGann said.

The strategic issues paper also detailed contributions from the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, which noted that large scale housing delivery should target lands in the urban areas of Curragh, Lissywollen, Cornamaddy, Cornamagh and Monksland/Bealnamulla.

The body called for the regeneration of underused, vacant or derelict buildings in Athlone's town centre to enhance the local economy and recommended support for the phased delivery of serviced employment lands at Garrycastle IDA, Blyry, Creggan and Monksland.

In a similar manner, the Northern & Western Regional Assembly, reiterated the importance of creating sustainable growth as part of the urban area plan with the provision of a hospital supported in this regard. The body called for the delivery of essential infrastructure to allow Athlone to develop its role as a regional driver and stressed the urgent need to address student accommodation given the potential for growth at TUS Athlone.

Ms McGann confirmed that the next steps for the Joint Urban Area Plan would include the compilation of a housing and settlement strategy, engagement with the Office of the Planning Regulator, drafting of framework plans and a number of environmental assessments.

"We would hope to have the plan on public display in the first quarter of 2026, with an eight-week period in place to allow for further submissions," Ms McGann said.

Reflecting on the presentation, Cllr Tom Farrell said the urban plan will be "huge achievement" over the next 20 years when it is completed. He also made a plea for the inclusion of a ring road in the development plans as to contend with a population growth with the current route network would be "absolute chaos".

TUS lecturer Alison Hough questioned if the flood risk management assessment, when complete, would be subject to a period of public consultation.

Cllr Frankie Keena said the number of submissions received allowed for greater public input into the plan. He queried the provision of more zoned land for residential purposes given the expected population growth on both sides of the Shannon.

"Allowing for the population growth, there must also be consideration given for the allocation of lands to local sports clubs and to address future recreational activity needs," Cllr Keena said.

Responding to the presentation queries, Ms McGann confirmed that the construction of a ring road was under consideration as part of the development plan, while the public would be in a position to make submissions once the strategic flood risk management assessment had been completed.

"We will incorporate all evidence-based thinking into the plan with the aim being for it to go on public display early next year," Ms McGann concluded.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme