Ten priority projects were announced in the Athenry Town Centre Plan update at the monthly municipal district meeting for Athenry.
There was a positive atmosphere at County Hall amongst the Athenry MD councillors as local architect Brent Mostert revealed ten priority projects as part of the Athenry Town Centre Plan which is set to gather pace in 2026.
Mostert stated that a final engagement meeting had taken place on September 9 where a final round of comments was made on the ten projects and feedback was assimilated into the final documents. An official launch where the plan will be brought to the wider community will take place in early 2026.
The ten priority projects are as follows were outlined to the MD members. The first project outlined was the development of a marketing strategy for Athenry town to promote the town as a boutique heritage destination. The development of an Athenry heritage trail which “will connect various heritage assets” is another priority project as part of the plan. The potential trail was described as a connected heritage trail network that links Athenry’s principal medieval landmarks.
“Connectivity is a theme that runs through the plan,” explained Mostert.
The continued development of the Athenry Town Wall Walk project is taking priority. Mostert told the council that he had met with landowners to get acceptance and it was “largely positive” but there is still some details to iron out.
Enhancing the town’s heritage event spaces is a focus with an objective to “modernise exhibition spaces to better connect the heritage spaces visually and physically”, according to Mostert. Athenry’s most significant heritage assets — most notably the Heritage Centre, Castle, and Priory — are “underutilised assets within the heart of the town”. The plan also aims to enhance the quality of public spaces.
The implementation of the Town Park Masterplan was born from the consultation process. Mostert noted that the need for more amenities to engage teenagers and young adults is a key theme of the project. The River Clarin Walkway and Biodiversity Enhancement project is another priority project which will enhance public access and appreciation of the riverside environment, and encourage greater biodiversity and contact with nature.
The new library is a long-term project and will be developed as a key point in the town, where “older members of the community can socialise, allow people with disabilities to access and learn, and provide a space for young people to come and be creative”. A makers space “for young people to expand on their creative abilities” will be part of the new library.
The last two priority projects are a parking strategy development and an outdoor community amenity facilities project.
Cllr Martin McNamara (SF ) noted that you could “feel the positive energy in the room”. He was particularly pleased that having amenities for young people was getting focus. Cllr Tomás Grealish (IND ) said that “it is exciting times for Athenry”.
Fine Gael’s Cllr Peter Feeney, tuning in via Zoom, remarked that the plan is “hugely ambitious” and an “incredible opportunity” for the town. He pointed out that “strong co-operation with local groups will make this work”- a point that fellow Zoom-attendee Cathaoirleach for Galway County Council David Collins (FG ) agreed with.
Cllr James Charity (FG ) was “really impressed” with the plans, while Fianna Fáil councillor and Cathaoirleach for Athenry MD Cillian Keane (FF ) joined in the praise in saying “it was a great sign for the future” of Athenry.
This article is funded by Comisiún na Meán.
