RTÉ series to explore Athlone travel, flooding, and planning issues

RTÉ series Futureville Ireland is set to explore Athlone's travel, flooding, and planning issues.

The series, presented by Carla O’Brien and Dr Lollie Mancey, explores how science, technology and human ingenuity could transform the town of Athlone into a brand-new city of the future by 2050.

It is part funded by Research Ireland and will be broadcast at 7pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player this week on Tuesday, November 9, Wednesday, November 10, and Thursday, November 11, as part of National Science Week 2026.

In episode one, Carla explores how AI and music can bring communities together, while Lollie investigates innovative ways Athlone could adapt to flooding and extreme weather, including blue-green roofs and floating neighbourhoods.

Episode two looks at how Irish innovation could transform transport and energy, from hydrogen-powered buses to new ways of storing renewable energy.

In episode three, the presenters invite Athlone residents of all ages to use augmented reality to reimagine local parks and community spaces.

Futureville Ireland airs Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.