Athlone milestone will be fully repaired after damage

Westmeath County Council has confirmed that a significant heritage feature in Athlone which was damaged during work last week by a contractor is to be fully re-instated in conjunction with a conservation specialist.

The feature, known as a milestone, is located close to the enrance to a former snooker hall on the Dublin Road near the entrance to Willow Park housing estate.

Heritage Officer with Westmeath County Council, Melanie McQuade, confirmed that, while the milestone in question is not listed on the Record of Protected Structures for the county, it as “a significant heritage feature” and the local authority has committed to carry out reinstatement works to the milestone in conjunction with a conservation specialist.

“We are currently liaising with the Area Officer at Athlone Civic Offices and the contractor in relation to the damage done to the milestone and any damage done will be fully repaired in due course,” said Ms McQuade.

The Chair of Willow Park Residents Association Padraig Higgins also expressed the hope that the damage caused to the historic milestone would be fully repaired.

“It is an important feature in the area, so we would very much like to see it being restored to its original condition as soon as possible” said Mr. Higgins