Council says Athlone street upgrades will support businesses

Westmeath County Council has defended its support for town centre businesses in Athlone saying that its continuing public realm improvements will contribute to creating a vibrant and sustainable town.

The council was reacting to a motion by Cllr Frankie Keena calling on the local authority to take measures to tackle the number of vacant business units in Athlone, and to highlight existing business supports.

Speaking at a recent meeting of the Athlone-Moate Municipal District, Cllr Keena welcomed the Increased Cost of Business Scheme (ICOB) scheme and urged people to apply for it.

Cllr Keena said: “It’s important to say that Westmeath County Council has spent millions of euro on urban regeneration here.” Despite this, he added that he was continually hearing from concerned locals regarding the number of vacant premises in the core of Athlone. “About six weeks ago I did my own survey. I walked from TUS out as far as Baylough. I identified 127 approximately vacant businesses in that area.”

He continued: “Some people are saying to me that these vacancies are down to the construction works currently taking place in Athlone at the moment,” said Cllr Keena. He also cited the traffic congestion as an issue in the town and called on the local authority to be more proactive.

Cllr Aengus O’Rourke said that his estimation of things was that in Athlone, people were very good at beating themselves up and highlighted the impact of "keyboard warriors."

The Fianna Fáil councillor continued: “Most of them seem to be constantly predicting Athlone’s demise and I was very disappointed to read a well respected local newspaper of late deciding to, I suppose, take on board some of those unfounded remarks and over-the-top remarks that come across social media. One such headline said Athlone’s economy is on the edge of a cliff. Now I’ll debate with anybody, keyboard warrior, newspaper editor or other councillor but this town is the best town to do business in, this country is the best country to do business in.”

Cllr O'Rourke added that where the recent headline fell short was that it didn't talk to businesses. “It took one loose remark from someone closing their business for whatever reason and businesses close and businesses come and go and that's the nature of the world but I have to say that the businesses are very annoyed at those who opt for negativity over reality.” This referred to a story printed in the 'Westmeath Independent' in the March 16, 2024 edition with the headline, 'Athlone is not far from falling off a cliff', which quoted a business owner referring to the town centre of Athlone.

Cllr O'Rourke continued: “I think counting idle shops is one thing, but actually doing something about it is another. He added that Athlone offers one of the cheapest rates in the country and highlighted that the council has spent “huge money” in terms of urban regeneration on Mardyke Street and other areas.

“We're currently spending huge money in terms of urban regeneration. Take Mardyke St, a street that had five idle properties three years ago, today has none. Why? Because we spent a fortune on it and people appreciated that.”

Cllr John Dolan said that he tended to agree with Cllr O'Rourke but said that business was “extremely tough” for him at the moment.

Cllr Dolan also said that there was never as much support put into businesses by the government and the previous government. “There was money pumped into businesses because we realised that they had to be kept afloat literally and it was money well spent because now we have a vibrant business sector."

Cllr Paul Hogan said that he liked the idea of a stakeholder consultation discussion. Speaking about the number of vacant properties listed by Cllr Keena, the Independent councillor, stated: “I certainly haven't gone around counting the empty buildings or anything but 126 from the Dublin Rd to Baylough would certainly be of concern."

He added that the business community, Enterprise Ireland, the local authority and the Chamber of Commerce could potentially consider introducing a business improvement district zone, similar to that in Drogheda.

Mayor of the district Cllr Louise Heavin said that there was an issue with a lot of vacant business premises across Athlone.

The Green Party councillor added that the council need to come up with new uses for the high streets and said that the UK was leading the way in terms of getting new uses established for the high street.

Cllr Heavin suggested looking at the concept of micro stores, similar to The Village at Burgess' for a mixed use commercial area.

“I don't think it's right to get rid of all our commercial units because I think we lose a lot." She said that there was "plenty" that a stakeholder group could look at.

Acting Director of Services Ambrose Clarke said that Athlone has “massive potential” but that he was disappointed to see the headline that Cllr O'Rourke cited.

He added that road improvement works in Athlone would be finished by May or June of this year and that the local authority is working on a framework for public realm improvements and hopes to get funding for each of these.

“We're looking to do more stuff down at the castle. We're looking to do more work on the boardwalk,” said Mr Clarke.

Mr Clarke remarked that the Athlone Chamber of Commerce was working on the issue of vacant business premises.

“I met the chamber and I'm working with the chamber to see what can the local authority do. I know there's a request for a task force and we're looking at what we're doing at the moment.”

Cllr Keena welcomed the millions of euro that has been spent on public realm work but said that he felt there should be further engagement with street traders.