Burrito shop gets green light for Athlone branch

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Burrito chain Namo has received planning approval for a new eatery in Athlone.

An application submitted in November by Namo Comida Mexicana Ireland Limited for a change of use at Unit 42 in Athlone Town Centre, formerly occupied by James McBride Family Butchers, was given the go-ahead by Westmeath County Council this week.

The unit is due to be converted into a food and beverage business and licensed restaurant, covering a total floor area of 108 square metres.

The planning approval also includes changes to the shopfront, new signage, and all associated site development works, subject to conditions on signage, shutters, and window displays.

Permission was granted subject to conditions which also included a revised shopfront design at the unit, which faces onto Mardyke Street.

Only fascia signage, with no neon or internal lighting, is being permitted, and any shutters must be lattice-style and positioned behind the windows.

The business is also not allowed to make use of any sandwich boards outside of the premises.

Namo opened its first store in Kilkenny in 2021 and has since expanded to include an acai and bubble tea shop, along with three additional locations in Carlow, Clonmel, and Portlaoise.

The restaurant chain serves a variety of Mexican-style food options, including burritos, nachos, tacos, churros, and enchiladas, as well as specialty teas and acai bowls at its Namo Plus locations.