Call for removal of “old unsightly” buildings on Magazine Road

Westmeath County Council has been asked to “take whatever action is available” to ensure that a number of galvanised buildings are removed from a site on the Magazine Road in Athlone.

The call was made by Cllr Aengus O'Rourke at the November meeting of Athlone Moate Municipal District. His motion referred to what he described as “the old unsightly galvanized buildings on the old Hammond Lane/Texaco site on the Magazine Road”.

“There has to be some solution found to have these buildings removed as they are being used for anti-social behaviour,” said Cllr O'Rourke, who received support from Cllr John Dolan.

The council response outlined that the sites in question had previously been used as an oil depot and metal recycling facility and are privately owned. While they are on the Derelict Sites Register, the council stated that “it would be beneficial to have these sites redeveloped” and added that the zoning on the lands “will be considered carefully” in the forthcoming Athlone Joint Urban Area Plan. “

The written response also said the council will “engage with the owners to render the sites non-derelict, which will in all likelihood, involve the removal of the remaining structures and improvements to the boundary treatments.”