Athlone Today
Athlone is a thriving business and shopping town centrally located in the Midlands of Ireland on the banks of the River Shannon. The town has experienced major development in many sectors in recent years and its population has grown to 21,800 (Preliminary Figures 2011 Census Report).
Location-Transport-Access
Athlone is strategically located in the centre of Ireland, on the border of two counties; Roscommon in the province of Connaught and Westmeath in the Province of Leinster. Given its central location, Athlone is a natural hub for transport. It is easily accessed by both rail and road with frequent bus and rail schedules.
The opening of the M6 motorway to Dublin in 2008 connects Athlone to Dublin in approximately 1 hour to/from M50 and subject to traffic conditions 1 hour and 15 minutes to/from the Airport.
The M6 Athlone to Ballinasloe was opened in July 2009 and the final stretch of the M6 Motorway between Ballinasloe and Galway was opened in December 2009 cutting the journey time from Athlone to Galway to just under 1 hour and from Dublin to Galway to approximately two hours.
Local Authority/Governance
Although the River Shannon, which runs through the town, forms the historic border between County Roscommon and County Westmeath, the Local Government Act of 1898 designated most of the town to Westmeath, including areas west of the river. Athlone Town Council provides an extensive range of infra-structural services, and plays an active role in the development of the town's industry, business, social, arts, heritage and cultural affairs. It also functions as the regulatory body for certain matters at local level.
Local Government in the form of a Municipal Council has existed in Athlone since the town received its first Charter in 1599. The Athlone Town Council as presently constituted has served the people for over 100 years and has adopted and broadened its activities over the decades to meet the changing needs of the community. It is now continuing that evolutionary process and has fully embraced Local Government Reform and joined with Westmeath County Council as an integral element of the County Development Plan.
Developments undertaken by the Council include the new Marina, Athlone Regional Sports Centre, Athlone Castle Visitor Centre and the Civic Centre which represent an investment at current values of €30m.
Gateway Town
Athlone forms part of the Midlands Gateway along with Mullingar and Tullamore. This designation of Athlone as a “Gateway Town” by the Government under the National Spatial Strategy is expected to produce State investment and to be influential in its future development.
Significant Developments
Athlone has come a long way in terms of development in the last 15 years and as the Irish economy begins to recover it is expected that there will be continued growth here. Developers now see Athlone as having the capacity to serve a catchment population of almost 270,000, and their confidence in investing in the town is proof of that. There has been a vibrancy and a belief in the future of the town that did not exist previously and while investors and developers ultimately determine commercial progress, the vision, planning and infrastructural developments of the Council and other state agencies are baseline essentials.
Employers
Industry and State employment has for many years been the foundation of the Athlone economy with companies like, Elan, Ericsson, Tyco, Athlone Extrusions and State bodies such as the Irish Army, Dept. of Education, Institute of Technology, I.D.A., FÁS, Revenue Commissioners, E.S.B., C.I.E., An Post etc. The State Agencies alone employ in excess of 3,000 people and the Athlone Mail Centre which is one of only 4 in the country serves the west of Ireland and it covers 90,000 sq. ft. of floor space.
Training and Education
There is an excellent educational infrastructure in Athlone. Athlone Institute of Technology caters for over 5,000 students. The Institute offers part-time and full-time programmes at certificate, diploma, degree and postgraduate levels. The National Polymer Development Centre based in Athlone is Ireland's leading Polymer Technology and Development Organisation, providing the polymer industry with a rapid turnaround, confidential and industrially focused technical service. Several private and public establishments provide full-time, evening and part-time training and tuition. A large number of Primary and Second Level Schools exist within a 10-15 mile catchment area.
Tourism
Athlone offers overseas visitors a genuine and welcoming Irish experience and the Irish visitor benefits from the variety and competitiveness of the many excellent deals offered by the hotel and leisure industry and a friendly local welcome. A wide range of amenities and services are available within a 20 mile radius of the town including excellent hotels, Spas, B&B's and other accommodation options. The town is renowned for the wide variety of restaurants and eateries catering for all tastes and budgets.
Athlone's position on the River Shannon at the foot of Lough Ree has ensured a consistent influx of water enthusiasts including those who participate in sailing, cruising, wind surfing and canoeing. Angling enthusiasts come to fish the Shannon and the many lakes located in the Lakelands Region.
Athlone and District boasts a wide variety of visitor attractions and historical sites of note including the instantly recognisable Athlone Castle and Clonmacnoise Monastic Site. Many walking, cycling and driving trails have been developed in recent years for both locals and visitors to enjoy.
Events
Athlone hosts a broad selection of Events throughout the course of the year ranging from sporting to theatre and music to farmers markets and festivals. A number of significant events will take place in Athlone during 2012 such as the U20 Six Nations Rugby in February and March, Lough Ree International Pike Angling Festival in April, HSE Community Games National Finals in May and August, RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival in May and Waterways Ireland TriAthlone in June.
See our guide to all 2012 events
Sports & Leisure
The many excellent sports & leisure facilities include Athlone Regional Sports Centre with swimming pool, indoor court, gym and astro turf, skateboard park and playground. Athlone Town Football Club and Buccanneers Rugby Club have also helped to put Athlone on the sporting map both through club performances, newly developed facilities and the hosting of national events. The AIT opened a 400m eight-lane running track last year and has plans to develop a brand new training and teaching building with a state-of-the-art indoor running track.
Athlone has always been associated with angling, sailing, cruising, rowing among other water based activities because of its location on the banks of The River Shannon and proximity to Lough Ree and the Inner Lakes.
Athlone Golf Club and Glasson Golf & Country Club are two excellent courses with magnificent views. Athlone has a selection of nine quality golf courses including Mount Temple Golf Club within a 45minute drive and as a result has become a popular golfing destination.
A strong GAA tradition exists in Athlone with club members investing huge amounts of time in youth teams playing football and hurling.
There is a fine selection of Health Spas and Leisure Centres in Athlone and surrounding areas including Glasson and Horseleap.
References:
Athlone Town Council, Census 2011, Wikipedia, 2009 athlone.ie portal, Westmeath County Council, Athlone Chamber of Commerce and Fáilte Ireland.
