Calls for more fishing platforms for Athlone

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Fishing has been highlighted as a major tourism pull for Athlone, with councillors calling for more platforms to be provided along the River Shannon.

At the most recent meeting of Athlone Moate Municipal District, Cllr Frankie Keena raised the motion to "discuss the importance of assisting Athlone Anglers in their quest to provide more fishing platforms along the Shannon to support the local fishing community and indeed increase tourism footfall in the town".

"Athlone sits at the heart of the River Shannon and at the southern gateway to Lough Ree, giving us some of the finest natural coarse and game fishing waters in Europe," Cllr Keena said.

"However, many of our prime angling locations—such as sections along The Meadows, Long Island, and surrounding banks—lack safe, modern, and accessible infrastructure. I am looking for a coordinated approach to unlock the massive economic potential of angling tourism. Domestic and international anglers bring sustained, high-value spend to our local hospitality and retail sectors."

The Fianna Fáil councillor emphasised that Athlone has a long history of Anglers coming to the town for fishing trips, however the trend has fallen off in recent years.

"Ten to twenty years ago, Burgess Park used to be full of anglers. There is great potential for angling tourism, for instance game and coarse fishing attract high-value, sustainable tourism from the UK, mainland Europe, and domestic anglers, particularly during peak seasons like the Mayfly hatch or pike festivals."

Cllr Keena added that fishing platforms would increase accessibility to the water not only for anglers, but also for people with reduced mobility.

"The provision of these fishing platforms supports inclusivity for all fishing enthusiasts. The installation of purpose-built platforms will ensure that elderly anglers and people with reduced mobility can safely enjoy our waterways, while simultaneously protecting our delicate riverbanks from erosion."

He suggested that a meeting should be arranged with relevant stakeholders to discuss the possibilities for funding through Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme or IFI funding, including Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran and Westmeath's Minister for Tourism, Peter Burke, as well as Waterways Ireland, Inland Fisheries, Athlone Anglers, ESB, and Mad Caps Angling Club.

Cllr Paul Hogan supported the motion, noting that tourism for fishing used to be "much bigger".

"We have a lot of German visitors, and they'd be good at leaving a few pound behind them. We need to advertise to our strengths, and fishing is one of them," Cllr John Dolan added.

On the point of improving accessibility to the water, Cllr Hogan and Cllr John Gibbons noted it as a positive.

"Any additional access to the rover is to be welcomed," said Cllr Gibbons.

Members and the council executive agreed that a meeting should be arranged with stakeholders.

"We would need to identify appropriate locations in terms of the infrastructure," said District Manager, Jackie Finney.