Church Street Enhancement Project

Westmeath County Council with the support of the European Regional Development Fund has invested over €4 million on a regeneration project which has transformed Church Street giving the centre of Athlone a welcoming, pedestrian friendly and modern town centre.

The Church Street Enhancement project, in excess of €4million was part funded by the European Union under the European Regional Development Fund through the Border Midland Western Regional Operational Programme 2014-2020 managed by the Northern and Western Regional Assembly.

Aim of the Project

The aim of the transformative redevelopment scheme is to revitalise the heart of Athlone’s central shopping area by creating an attractive and vibrant town centre which contributes to the sustained and future growth of Athlone.

The project, which was completed in February 2019, has transformed Church Street from a thoroughfare dominated by traffic to a street that is pedestrian focused with wider accessible footpaths, paved areas and seating so people can browse in shop windows, stroll and enjoy the centre of the town at their own pace. The newly enhanced Church Street is now a welcoming, attractive and enjoyable space for shoppers, tourists, pedestrians and the wider local community, allowing the area to flourish as a thriving shopping, business and social district.

Key Milestones on the Project

Public consultation on the proposed project took place during 2015 and 2016. In October 2015 the Elected Members of Athlone Municipal District and Westmeath County Council took the decision to submit the Enhancement of Church Street as a project under the EU Urban Designated Grant Scheme through the Border Midland Western Regional Operational Programme 2014-2020.

The application was successful and in May 2016 Nicholas de Jong Associates were appointed as Consultants to the Project. The Part 8 Planning Process including full public consultation was completed in April 2017. On Thursday 15^th February 2018 the ‘Orange Loop’ one-way system commenced. In February 2018 John Craddock Ltd, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare were appointed contractors for the Enhancement Scheme. Work commenced on Church Street in March 2018 and the project was fully completed in February 2019.

Church Street Liaison Meeting

Meetings in and agendas are viewable here.

(Ariel Image)

(Church Street)

(Mardyke Street)

(Genoa)