“Dangerous” Athlone Castle hoarding "accident waiting to happen"

Councillors raised safety concerns over the hoarding surrounding Athlone Castle and Market Square, describing it as both 'hazardous' and 'an embarrassment to the town'.

The issue was discussed at the December meeting of Athlone-Moate Municipal District.

Erected during ongoing Athlone Castle works, the hoardings have been criticised for poor placement and visibility, posing risks to pedestrians, particularly during darker winter evenings.

“On multiple occasions I have raised the issues of the steel, unsightly hoarding wrapped around our castle. It has advertisements from every pub in the town, and aside from that, it is dangerous,” Cllr O’Rourke said.

“It’s blocking half the road, with bollards and orange cones thrown all over, and people are walking around it in complete darkness. We are really going to have to get our act together.”

Cllr Paul Hogan added: “People are walking out onto the road, and it’s very poorly lit. It’s an accident waiting to happen, and I’m afraid that over the busy Christmas period, someone will be seriously hurt.”

The council executive acknowledged the concerns, committing to urgent action to make the area safe while allowing ongoing works to continue.

“The Market Square is a very busy area, and it’s about pedestrian safety,” said Willie Ryan, District Engineer. “We will have a look at the hoarding ahead of the festive period.”

Since the meeting, a temporary walkway has been put in place to avoid pedestrians having to walk onto the road.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme