'Defining moment of 2025 was successful High Court IPAS challenge': Aengus O'Rourke
We contacted a number of people from in and around the Athlone area to ask about their highlight of 2025 and their hopes for 2026. This was the response from Cllr Aengus O'Rourke, Deputy Mayor of Athlone-Moate Municipal District...
As 2025 draws to a close, it is a good time to reflect on what has been achieved in Athlone, across Westmeath, and nationally — and just as importantly, to look ahead with optimism to what lies before us.
For me personally, the defining moment of 2025 was the successful High Court case which stopped the proposed IPAS centre at Lissywollen. This was not a quick or easy process. It involved a year-long campaign, multiple court hearings in Dublin, and a huge commitment of time and energy.
While challenging, it was ultimately about standing up for proper planning, transparency and fairness for our community. The outcome showed that when communities persist and engage constructively with the legal process, they can make their voices heard.
Beyond that, Athlone had a number of genuine highlights during the year. One of the proudest sporting moments was Athlone Town women securing the double — a phenomenal achievement that continues to put our town on the national sporting map and provides inspiration for young girls across the region. They really have given us fantastic entertainment and we are all so proud of these fantastic women.
Culture and community life also continued to thrive... Féile na Sionainne, last year was our third festival, it has firmly established itself as a major success. It showcased Athlone’s amazing musical talent, it's creativity and so much more. Events like this are crucial in shaping Athlone’s identity and vibrancy. Next year promises to be even bigger and better again.
From an infrastructure point of view, the completion of the Athlone Main Drainage Scheme at the end of 2025 was a landmark achievement. After three years of major civil works — and significant disruption for residents and businesses — the project was delivered on time and on budget. The €115 million investment is money very well spent. It is something Athlone had been waiting on for years, and it now underpins our capacity to grow sustainably, particularly in housing and enterprise.
There were other quieter but important positives too: continued public realm improvements, steady progress on urban regeneration projects, and strong community and voluntary activity right across the town and county. Often these do not make headlines, but they are the foundations of a strong place.
The Connaught Street Regeneration Group are a perfect example of this; a group mobilising and working in a voluntary capacity to improve their area, they deserve great credit for what they have achieved.
Looking ahead to 2026 and 2027, there is real reason for confidence. We are entering a 24-month window that could and should see the strongest output of housing ever delivered in Athlone. This will not completely solve every housing challenge we face, but it will go a very long way towards easing pressure and making it easier for people to live and work locally.
At a national level, despite global uncertainty, the Irish economy remains strong. IDA data shows that regional investment has held up robustly, and Athlone remains extremely well positioned to benefit. Our central location, skilled workforce and diverse employment base mean we should continue to attract FDI companies, bringing sustainable, well-paid jobs to the town.
However, growth brings responsibility. If Athlone is to reach its true potential as a city, we urgently need link roads. Without forward planning and investment in road infrastructure, additional housing and jobs will inevitably lead to gridlock. This is something only central government can deliver, and it must be prioritised now. Failure to plan for this will damage Athlone’s growth potential in the years ahead. Government and national public representatives must deliver on this for us here in Athlone.
Retail is also changing — not just here, but in every town and city worldwide. Vacancy in town centres is a global trend driven by online shopping and changing consumer habits.
The future of our town cores lies in diversification: artisan and craft businesses, health and beauty services, cafés and restaurants, specialist retailers, jewellers and experiences that simply cannot be replicated online. Our town centres will look different, but different is good. While it may not happen overnight, it will happen.
Westmeath County Council is very conscious of its role in supporting business through this transition. In fact, few local authorities do more. We have the lowest commercial rates in the Midlands region, lower than all neighbouring counties. We also operate practical incentive schemes such as the Shop Front Enhancement Scheme and the Rates Rebate Scheme, which provide real financial support to businesses investing in our towns.
Overall, while challenges remain, I believe Athlone, Westmeath and Ireland enter 2026 in a position of strength. With continued investment, sensible planning and community engagement, the coming years can be among the most positive we have seen.