Pedestrian crossing points "badly needed" at certain town locations

A local councillor has called for the addition of a number of badly needed pedestrian crossing points throughout Athlone.

Referencing the road safety issue which he previously raised in the Athlone-Moate Muncipal District in September 2024, Cllr Aengus O'Rourke questioned if consideration had been given by the Active Travel team to advancing pedestrian crossings from "Assumption Road to Jim’s Field, across Brawny Road to the Irish School, and on Dr Jim Keane Road from the Coosan Point side to the Bloomfield Drive side of the road".

In a written response, the Council said that the matter had been discussed with the Active Travel team who advised that it was an issue for the Municipal District to prioritise locations for such works to be funded next year.

"This matter is subject to the provision of an allocation for low cost junction tightening and pedestrian crossing schemes in the National Transport Authority's (NTA) 2026 annual allocation for Active Travel investment.

"However, if no NTA allocation is forthcoming, a new initiative will be delivered in the context of the members’ priorities for ramp provision within the whole of the District and the relevant funding made available in the 2026 Roads Programme".

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.