The derelict site of the former O’Neill’s pub in the centre of Athlone as it looked in Autumn 2023. Council now to draw up its own plans for ‘eyesore’ town siteThere may be an end in sight to the long-running saga of the derelict O'Neill's site in the centre of Athlone with confirmation this week that Westmeath County Council is to design and seek planning permission for a retail/residential building on the keynote site. The council bought the site in recent years and subsequently advertised it for sale as a "unique development opportunity" in a high-profile location. While he added that the council remains committed to the “sale and redevelopment” of the site, he reminded members that he made it clear as far back as last February that if the site was not sold the council planned to develop it themselves. Ironically, the discussion on the future use of the O'Neill's site took place on the same day as the ribbon was cut on the official opening of the multi-million euro Athlone Town Centre Regeneration & Enhancement Project.

Source: Irish Independent November 08, 2024 17:48 UTC