New relief road planned for Athlone
A major new eastern relief road in Athlone has received key Government approval.
Minister of State for the Office of Public Works Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran confirmed the proposed East Athlone Relief Route is included in the revised National Development Plan being announced today (Wednesday).
The 3km route will link the Ballymahon Road (N55), near the junction with the Ballymore/Mullingar road, to the M6 roundabout at Junction 8.
The scheme is designed to relieve congestion in Athlone town centre by diverting through traffic, while also supporting improved accessibility and safety for active travel.
It is included in the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport under the recent National Development Plan (NDP) Review, which was published today.
The plan includes what is described as Bypass/Relief Road Programme (e.g. Athlone, Claregalway, Thurles, Ballina), as road projects to be advanced for future construction.
An indicative route for the road sees it commence close to the ‘Ballymore turn’ on the N55, continue to the east of the Woodville housing development and the Blyry Business Park, then crossing the Moydrum Road and the Old Rail Trail greenway before connecting with the roundabout on the M6 at Creggan.
Speaking on the announcement, Minister Moran said: “This is transformative for Athlone and the wider Midlands. The East Athlone Relief Route will not only ease traffic pressure in the town centre, but it will also free up existing road space for active travel infrastructure, supporting our national objectives on sustainable mobility and decarbonisation.
“I have campaigned for this project for many years, and I insisted that it be part of the revised National Development Plan. Today’s confirmation is a major step forward for Athlone’s future.”
“The East Athlone Relief Route will also ease congestion around the Blyry Industrial Estate, improving access for businesses and employees. By linking directly to both the N55 and the M6, the scheme will provide faster, more reliable connections for freight and commercial traffic, supporting enterprise growth and strengthening Athlone’s position as a regional hub for industry and investment.”
He said the scheme would have a number of significant benefits, including providing substantial relief to heavily congested roads within Athlone town centre, allow the reallocation of road space on the N55 and R916 to active travel infrastructure and enhance accessibility and road safety for all road users
It will also improve connectivity between the M6 motorway and the N55 and N62 national secondary routes and support the planned growth and development of Athlone as a regional centre
Minister Moran emphasised the local impact, noting that communities in Athlone and surrounding areas will benefit directly from reduced congestion and improved transport options.
“This project is about planning for the future. It will strengthen Athlone’s role as a regional hub, support sustainable transport, and deliver safer, more accessible roads for everyone. It is good news for Athlone, for Moate, and for the wider Midlands.”
Meanwhile the long-waited upgrade of the N4 between Mullingar and Longford is also included in the transport plan, as is a new link road between Tullamore and Kilbeggan.