Part of The Strand closed until mid-December

A portion of The Strand area of Athlone will be closed until mid-December.

A notice on the council website this week says the OPW, on behalf of Westmeath County Council, will be undertaking works along The Strand, Athlone from the Old Bridge Abutment southwards to The Strand car park until December 12.

The closure does not affect the operation of The Strand car park.

“To facilitate these works this section of The Strand will be closed to the public. Diversions will be signposted.

"Westmeath County Council apologises for any inconvenience caused,” the notice which came into force on November 14 added.

There has been ongoing work underway in The Strand area on the flood defences programme for some time now.

The OPW, who are the main contractor, said recently that “significant progress” has been made with the overall flood relief scheme which is approximately 81% now complete.

However, it confirmed that The Strand section will not be complete until the second quarter of 2023.

It said archaeological findings in the centre of Athlone required “specialist intervention” which delayed “progress somewhat” in that area, adding that progression the works is dependent on appropriate levels in the Shannon to allow works to be carried out and landowner permissions being in place.