There was an absolutely fabulous buzz in Athlone on Tuesday 8th August 2023 for the official opening of the new iconic Greenway Bridge with large crowds in attendance to be part of this major historical occasion. The official ribbon cutting ceremony was carried out by Minister Jack Chambers. The high spec and attention to detail of this new bridge is high end.
The beauty of this new bridge apart from its practicalities is that it has created a whole new vista of Athlone. We now have amazing views of St. Peter’s Church, the Athlone Town Bridge, the Railway Bridge, the Shannon and the Marina. These views provide great backdrops for that special photo.
In addition to this there are a few interesting links to this new bridge such as the ones under the AIB bridge and down the laneway between the Methodist Church and the Athlone Credit Union offices.
It is also important to acknowledge the fabulous extension that the Radisson Blu Hotel has carried out as it compliments this greenway bridge with precision.
This new bridge will further promote Athlone as a Regional Growth Centre and will be a major attraction and benefit for local people and tourists to enjoy. The positive feedback from the public continues to flow my way and it is so heartening to receive.
There are many other major public infrastructural works taking place in Athlone at the moment, such as the urban regeneration work around the Mardyke St area, the Athlone Main Drainage scheme and flood defence walls. Also, progress is at an advanced stage for phase one work to start around the environs of Athlone Castle which is part of the overall regeneration of the westside of Athlone.
It is so important to complete as soon as possible the regeneration plan for the Connaught Street area in conjunction with the Connaught Street Community Group who are doing excellent work for their area.
In addition to all these works there are a significant number of housing schemes presently under construction in the Athlone and Moate areas. It is one of my priorities to continue to deliver on such a wide variety of new projects for Athlone, Moate and environs.
