A computer generated image of The Strand in Athlone, showing the proposed boardwalk and outdoor swimming pool (pool situated to the right of the image, opposite the Friary gardens).

Divers carrying out underwater survey for Athlone outdoor pool and boardwalk project

Adrian Cusack

Published: Thu 21 May 2026, 3:12 PM

Waterways Ireland has given notice of an archaeological dive survey which is underway this week on the River Shannon at Athlone as part of investigations associated with the council's planned boardwalk and outdoor swimming pool development.

The survey is being conducted today (Thursday) and tomorrow, between 8am and 5pm each day, by the National Monuments Service.

In a notice to boat users on the Shannon, Waterways Ireland said "a dive support vessel" would be present during the survey which is being carried out along the eastern side of the Shannon, from Athlone marina to the weir wall at Wolfe Tone Terrace.

"Diver location will be marked with the blue and white Alpha Dive Flag," it added.

An image posted by Waterways Ireland showing the survey area and the flag used to signal the location of divers.

Masters of vessels on the river are being asked to "navigate with additional caution" in the vicinity of the dive operations and to "maintain a safe distance from dive operations and dive marker buoys".

The survey comes in the same week that Westmeath County Council announced the preferred location for the outdoor swimming pool, which is to the be situated at The Strand, outside the entrance to the Friary gardens.