Public seating reinstated at The Strand in Athlone

For the first time in a number of years, people in Athlone can once again take a seat at The Strand.

The popular benches on the eastern bank of the River Shannon were removed while work was being carried out in the area on the recently-completed €114m Athlone Main Drainage Scheme.

In the early months of last year it was hoped the benches might be reinstated shortly, but the summer and autumn of 2025, and the spring of 2026, came and went without them reappearing.

However, six new benches overlooking the Shannon arrived along The Strand earlier today (Thursday), and are likely to get plenty of use on days when the weather cooperates.

Willie Ryan, District Engineer at the Athlone Moate Municipal District, said two public bins are being put in alongside the six new benches, and that a further two benches are planned for "outside the flood wall at Wolfe Tone Terrace".

He said foundations for the two additional benches are being put in place this week, with the benches themselves due to be installed by the end of this month.