New link road at Plovers Wood development in Athlone 50% complete

By Rebekah O'Reilly

A new link road at Athlone’s Plovers Wood development is approximately 50% complete, developers told the Westmeath Independent this month.

Plovers Wood is a major housing project in the Lissywollen area which will deliver a mix of social, affordable, and private homes, along with two creches. In total, the development is expected to include 576 homes.

The scheme is being delivered in five phases. Phase one will include 94 homes, while planning permission for phase two, comprising 75 homes, was submitted in March.

Plans for Athlone's largest housing development were first discussed in early 2021. The contract for the development was signed in December 2024 following a series of delays.

Developers Alanna Homes said the development held "both strategic and national importance" in helping Athlone become "a regional growth centre" in line with long-term Government strategy.

Thomas Freeman of Alanna Homes said progress at the site is continuing steadily, with infrastructure works well underway.

“Most of what we’re doing at the moment involves updates to planning permissions, but the main site road is now about 50% complete,” he said.

“We’re aiming to have show houses open in the first half of this year.”

While he did not give a specific figure for the number of homes nearing completion, Mr Freeman said the project remains on schedule.

“The first block of units, including the show houses, is nearing completion,” he added.

He said visible progress can already be seen on site.

“The entrance road is constructed and well finished, though the houses themselves are still under construction,” he said. “We’re very happy with the progress so far.”