Cultural museum proposed for Athlone’s westside

A proposal to open a cultural museum in a protected building on the west side of Athlone has been submitted to Westmeath County Council for planning permission approval.

The applicant, Diarmuid Morrissey, is seeking a change of use of the building, 6 Main Street/High Street, from commercial and residential into a cultural museum.

The unit, located at No 6 Main Street/High Street, is listed under the record of protected structures.

An architectural heritage impact assessment, included as part of the planning application states the existing building to be "a three-storey, terraced, late 18th/early 19th century building with retail use on the ground floor and residential use overhead. The main feature of the would be the two traditional shop fronts".

The planning application for the building includes a small extension to the rear of the building with the restoration of existing shop fronts.

"It is proposed to maintain the existing look at No 6 Main Street. There are no proposals to change any of the window or door openings.

The two shop fronts are in need of some restoration works. The proposal is to turn the unit into a cultural and historical museum for Athlone," the planning application detailed.

A decision on the planning permission application is expected from Westmeath County Council on October 26.