Work progressing on new Athlone road

Construction work has been progressing in recent weeks on a road in Athlone which will create a new link between the Ballymahon Road roundabout and Garrycastle.

The 30km per hour 'Lissywollen Avenue' road forms part of the first phase of development for Alanna Homes' 576-unit 'Plovers Wood' housing development in the Kilnafaddoge, Lissywollen, area.

In August a commencement notice was signed allowing work to begin on the access road through the development.

The initial phase of the project is also expected to include the first 103 housing units.

When contacted by the Westmeath Independent this week, Alanna Homes' director Thomas Freeman said the construction project was now up and running.

"The work has really gotten going in the last month or so, and it's full steam ahead," he said on Monday.

"We're working on the road at the moment and we'll be starting some groundwork on the first block of showhouses in the next couple of weeks, with the intention of having those houses ready for display a few months into the new year."

Last December, a development agreement was signed between Westmeath County Council and Alanna Homes for the delivery of the 'Plovers Wood' housing which was granted planning approval by An Bord Pleanala as a 'strategic housing development' in 2021.

Of the 576 housing units, 174 are due to be allocated by the council as social housing.