Planning approval sought for Shamrock Lodge extension

A planning application has been lodged with Westmeath County Council for enhancement works at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel.

If permission is granted, the westside hotel will boast a larger function room, extended bar area to the front of the hotel, and an additional five bedrooms on the ground floor.

General Manager of the Shamrock Lodge Hotel Alan McCaul said this week that they have carried out a lot of work at the hotel over the past few years and this development would mark a further enhancement of the product offering and experience for guests.

He said the larger function room would allow the hotel to cater for up to 350 guests at round tables at weddings and other functions, and also provide increased capacity for concerts.

"Occupancy levels are very high and there is demand," he said in relation to the hotel seeking an additional five bedrooms on the ground floor. "Athlone in general is flying accommodation-wise, for all the hotels."

He added that the town's central location is appealing to people and the marketing of the town as a destination has also helped.

"Since the pandemic finished, the area is going from strength to strength," added Alan, who said the town had benefitted last week from the Ploughing Championships being held in Tullamore, with many people booking accommodation in Athlone.

The development at the Shamrock Lodge, should it get the green light from council planners, will include demolitions, new extensions and alterations to elevations.

The planned development is to consist of the demolition of an existing two-storey block to the rear of the hotel, which includes toilets, bar storage and offices at ground level, and derelict accommodation with ancillary storage at first floor level.

An existing single storey toilet block to the side of the existing hotel adjoining the function room is also set to be demolished, as is an escape stairwell to the rear of the hotel.

The planning application also includes the construction of new extensions to the property, comprising a new single storey entrance and extended bar area to the front of the hotel, and a new single storey extension to the side of the hotel, which will include the enlargement of the existing function room and provision of new toilets and ancillary storage.

Permission is also sought for a new single storey extension to the rear of the hotel, which will include a revised toilet layout, new stores, and the provision of five en-suite bedrooms.