TUS looking to add 'a town centre presence' in Athlone
The local university TUS is actively examining options for adding a town centre premises to its campus in Athlone, according to Michelle McKeon-Bennett, its dean of the faculty of business and hospitality.
Ms McKeon-Bennett was speaking at an 'Our Streets' webinar organised by Athlone Chamber of Commerce on Thursday morning last.
The webinar saw a panel of local experts talk about the future of streets on the west side of Athlone, and one of the more left-field questions raised for discussion involved the concept of TUS moving into Custume Barracks while the Defence Forces relocated to a more peripheral location on the outskirts of town.
While a move to Custume Barracks would seem highly unlikely, Ms McKeon-Bennett confirmed TUS was looking to have a town centre presence in Athlone.
She said the university was working closely with the council and Athlone Chamber to help establish "a central presence of TUS from the perspective of innovation, entrepreneurship, and nurturing small to medium enterprise."
This could take the form of "a walk-in centre, where people with an idea can be advised and supported to start their own business," she added.
"We are looking at that, and we have been successful in (securing) small funding allocations. We are working towards other funding opportunities that will allow us to integrate more within the community.
AIT previously operated a premises on Northgate Street and there are plans to convert that building into a co-working hub for up to 200 people.
Áine Daly, president of the TUS students' union, said the barracks site would be an attractive location for accommodation, something she highlighted as one of the most pressing needs in the town.
"If the council could engage with the college or even outside agencies with regard to building accommodation, the need is there. We can't keep taking in students and people from Europe because we don't have the provision to actually give them somewhere to live.
"Even with regard to professionals and industry, accommodation just doesn't exist in Athlone. You can have a look at daft.ie and there's about four properties on it.
"On (the west) side of town students and professionals would love to live there but the properties that are available are completely out (of reach). People couldn't afford them."
The webinar was the second in a series organised by Athlone Chamber. It was hosted by Westmeath Independent editor Tadhg Carey and, in addition to Ms McKeon-Bennett and Ms Daly, the panel included local historian Gearoid O'Brien, senior Westmeath County Council planner Cathaldus Hartin, Chamber president Alan Shaw, and Destinations Athlone estate agent Treasa Coghill.
The webinar can be viewed here