Athlone Park and Ride facility study sought

The "potential benefits" of introducing a park and ride facility to serve Athlone town centre was discussed during the November meeting of the Athlone-Moate Municipal District.

Raising the issue, Cllr Aengus O'Rourke asserted that a comprehensive review of public parking provision in Athlone was necessary and called on the council executive to examine the "feasibility, potential locations and benefits" of introducing a park and ride facility to serve Athlone town centre using the existing town bus service.

"As our town continues to grow, the issue regarding the lack of public parking in Athlone remains a constant. Yes, we are investing in active travel, but realistically are you going to use such a measure when going into Athlone for your weekly shopping?," Cllr O'Rourke asked.

The councillor said he has remained mindful of the the public parking situation and the changes to the town since the publication of an area-based transport assessment of Athlone in 2023.

"Since 2023 we have lost approximately 25 car parking spaces, yet visitors to our town have increased. We have to think of our business community and how this is impacting on their day-to-day trade," Cllr O'Rourke added.

The Fianna Fáil councillor recommended that digital signage be erected on the outskirts of Athlone to notify visitors of "parking availability" in the town's core. He also suggested "examining suitable locations" on approaches to Athlone which would be feasible for a park and ride facility.

"People could then park in comfort and use our excellent town bus service to travel into the town centre.

“We have to be alive to the demands that our on our public parking spaces and also, as a District, we must be reassure our business community that we are here to support them, particularly coming up their busiest time of the year," Cllr O'Rourke added.

Cllr Vinny McCormack said Athlone had struggled to cope with the influx of traffic and a lack of public parking.

"Placing park and ride facilities at strategic points on the outskirts of Athlone would help to alleviate traffic congestion. We have a town bus service that's the envy of many, so for me installing park and ride facilities is a 'no brainer'," Cllr McCormack said.

Responding, Director of Services, Jackie Finney said she was "mindful" that there had been "substantial" growth in Athlone, but added that park and ride facilities "worked best" when there were bus lanes in operation allowing smoother movement for public transport.

The Director of Services said the park and ride suggestion would be "worthy of consideration" and confirmed that she would liaise with the council's transport department with a feasibility study for such a measure in mind.