Athlone 'will need two more schools'
The expected growth in Athlone's population over the coming years will require the addition of at least two new primary schools, Westmeath and Roscommon county councils have been told.
Athlone is a designated 'key regional growth centre' in the Midlands under the Government's National Planning Framework, and its population is set to grow to around 30,000 by the early part of the next decade.
New housing developments in Athlone, particularly in areas such as Brawny, Coosan and Cornamaddy, are likely to place significant pressure on existing schools and other educational services, according to the Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB).
It noted that planning permission "has been approved or processed for circa 1,500 residential units in the greater Brawny, Coosan and Cornamaddy areas, along with substantial development and regeneration opportunities in the greater Athlone area."
"The population of Athlone is expected to increase by 7,000 people by 2030," added the LWETB. "It is envisaged that at least two new primary schools are required in Athlone to facilitate the increased student numbers."
Its assessment of the town's future educational needs was contained in a public consultation submission made to Westmeath and Roscommon county councils on the issues paper for the local authorities' forthcoming joint Athlone Urban Area Plan for 2024 to 2030.
The need to zone land in the Cornamaddy area for a new school was highlighted in particular by the LWETB.
It said it would like to see "the zoning of lands in the Cornamaddy area for the development of a new school which could facilitate up to 600 pupils along with playing fields, yard space, parking, and appropriate set-down areas.
"LWETB do not own any land parcels in the area, however there is a significant site along the R916, partially owned by Westmeath County Council, that should be investigated for the provision of education."
It noted that the existing Cornamaddy Community National School, which came under the governance of LWETB in September 2023, has an enrolment of some 300 pupils.
"Recent applications for development on the site to facilitate additional capacity have been refused by Westmeath County Council for several reasons, with traffic related issues being the primary concern," it pointed out.
In addition, the Athlone Training Centre in Garrycastle, which is operated by LWETB, is currently "at capacity" according to the board, which said a design team had been engaged to undertake "a masterplan for the future development" of the centre.
"As the demand for apprenticeship programmes increases in line with Government policy, this site may not have the capacity for further development," it stated.
"LWETB are proposing that any lands made available adjoining the centre are zoned for educational purposes or alternative and suitable lands near the facility are identified for zoning to facilitate any expansion of the services provided."
The board also expressed the view that additional educational accommodation at both primary and secondary level was required "in the core (or) west side" of Athlone.
A submission to the two county councils on behalf of the Department of Education also noted the projected increase in Athlone's population and the possible need for more schools to be added.
The Department asked the county councils to ensure that the draft joint Athlone Urban Area Plan explicitly supports "the provision of adequate and suitable school accommodation, including the development of new schools and the expansion or alteration of existing ones".
A period of public consultation on the issues paper informing the joint Athlone Urban Area Plan, 2024-2030, took place from December last until February. A total of 52 submissions were received during this period.
Westmeath County Council said a chief executive's report, which summarises the submissions and observations received during the consultation phase, provides the response of the chief executive to the issues raised, and sets out recommendations for inclusion in the draft plan, was currently being finalised.