Three-part RTE series to show 'a reimagined city of Athlone in 2050'

A three-part series will be broadcast on RTÉ One this week to explore "what a new reimagined city of Athlone would look like in the year 2050".

The series, entitled Futureville Ireland, is being broadcast as part of Science Week, and it will air in the form of three one-hour episodes at 7pm this Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (November 12-14).

It imagines that Athlone, as capital of Midlands, would be home to a quarter of a million people in 2050.

A description of the series, which is co-presented by RTÉ's Carla O'Brien and Dr Lorraine (Lollie) Mancey of the UCD Innovation Academy, states that it will "look at what daily life might be like" for Athlone's residents 26 years from now.

It will seek to bring "contemporary issues such as health, housing and education to the forefront with real solutions for the future".

The first episode tomorrow (Tuesday) will "showcase the newest technologies that will enable the vision for this city of 250,000 people to become a reality".

Host Carla O'Brien said the first episode will feature a virtual reality version of Athlone which was created by local man Tadhg Kelleher.

"I was truly awed by Tadhg Kelleher, who created a virtual reality version of Athlone to show his father, who has dementia and is currently in a nursing home.

"It was such a powerful and heartfelt gesture, combining technology with deep love and care," said Ms O'Brien.

"Knowing that his father could no longer physically visit the town, he found a way to bring the town to him, recreating familiar sights and places in a way that would trigger old memories and emotions.

"It struck me how innovative and compassionate it was, using virtual reality not just for entertainment, but as a meaningful connection to the past.

"The thoughtfulness behind it - helping his father experience a place so close to his heart - was incredibly moving and showed the amazing potential of technology in enhancing human experiences."

The second episode, on Wednesday, "will shift the focus to the relationship between Athlone and the Shannon", while episode three "will explore how we can enhance the quality of daily life in this future city".

Ms O'Brien said she greatly enjoyed the experience of making the series.

“It was wonderful to learn about the people of Athlone and their experiences of life in the town," she commented.

"Everyone we met was so open about what they loved about living there, but also what they found frustrating. It was an honour to hear their stories."

* Futureville Ireland will be shown at 7pm from Tuesday to Thursday, November 12-14, on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.