Part VIII for the development of Athlone Smart Innovation & Co-Working Hub at Northgate Street, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

Co-Working Hub at Northgate Street, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

Submitted: 02.07.2025 - 3:35pm

Unique Reference Number: WM-C116-1

Boundaries Captured on Map: Yes

No. of documents attached: 0

Author: Oliver Donoghue

Date Created: 02.07.2025 - 03:23pm

Status: Submitted

Observations

Theme:
Conservation
In regard to the proposed development of protected structure I have concerns about the use of the building. I think the approach to preserve the building is great we need to do this.

However in by 2040 the population is to increase to a projected 100k people. We need a hospital we are aware housing is important but the hospital for Athlone is urgent.

This site is adjacent to the hospital and needs to be converted for either to be part of the hospital or for accommodation for hospital staff etc. We already have enough buildings that serve the public and business we need a hospital adequate for the future.

The public benefit for the proposed works is just not there.

Rember the role of the government and local authority is to provide Health care services and adequate housing. to support the increasing population of the town from town to City status we need a hospital.

The bottleneck for Athlone to become a city is the hospital so we can't afford to lose valuable inner future city land for anyting less than a hospital.

Locations related to this submission and observations

Submission Opposing the Demolition and Enabling Works at the Former Athlone Workhouse, Northgate Street, Athlone

Submitted: 03.07.2025 - 7:58am

Unique Reference Number: WM-C116-2

Boundaries Captured on Map: No

No. of documents attached: 0

Author: Louise Heavin

Date Created: 03.07.2025 - 07:19am

Status: Submitted

Observations

Theme:
Community Development
I wish to object to the proposed demolition and enabling works at the former Athlone Workhouse and RTC campus, Northgate Street, Athlone, as outlined in the public consultation.

1. Premature Demolition Without a Comprehensive Redevelopment Proposal

The application seeks permission for demolition and enabling works before a full redevelopment proposal has been submitted or assessed. This approach is contrary to the Westmeath County Development Plan 2021–2027 (Section 9.5, Built Heritage), which states that demolition of structures of heritage value should only be considered where a comprehensive and high-quality redevelopment proposal is presented and assessed for its contribution to the area’s character and vibrancy.

The Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) requires that applications for demolition and new development be considered together to allow for a holistic assessment of impacts and benefits.

2. Conflict with Climate Action and Circular Economy Policy

Demolition generates significant embodied carbon and waste, conflicting with the Westmeath County Council Climate Action Plan 2024–2029 (Action 2.2, Built Environment), which prioritises the retention and refurbishment of existing buildings to reduce carbon emissions and promote resource efficiency.

The Irish Government’s Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy (2020–2025) explicitly discourages demolition in the absence of clear plans for reuse or redevelopment, in line with national and EU circular economy objectives.

The EU Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) requires prioritisation of waste prevention and reuse, and sets a target for 70% recycling of construction and demolition waste, making premature demolition without a clear plan inconsistent with EU law.

3. Legal and Procedural Requirements

The Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) and the EU Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive (2011/92/EU, as amended by 2014/52/EU) require that the environmental impact of demolition and subsequent development be assessed together. Granting permission for demolition in isolation is not consistent with these statutory requirements.

Separating demolition from redevelopment undermines public participation rights under the Aarhus Convention and the EU EIA Directive, as the public cannot assess the full impact of the proposals.

5. Risk of Urban Blight and Dereliction

Approving demolition before a redevelopment plan risks creating a vacant or derelict site, contrary to the Town Centre First Policy (Government of Ireland, 2022) and the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) objectives, which prioritise the reuse and revitalisation of existing town centre sites.

6. Inadequate Justification for Demolition

The use of EU Just Transition Fund resources does not override the need to comply with planning, climate, and heritage policy. The case for demolition has not been justified in the absence of a clear, approved vision for the site’s future, as required by the above policies and laws.

In summary:
The proposed approach is inconsistent with the Westmeath County Development Plan, the Westmeath Climate Action Plan, Irish Government policy on the circular economy and town centres, and relevant EU directives. Demolition should not be permitted until a comprehensive redevelopment proposal is submitted and assessed in accordance with these policies and laws, to safeguard Athlone’s heritage, uphold climate commitments, and ensure sustainable development.

Respectfully submitted,

Louise Heavin

Note. I have included this under the Community Development Theme as the 'Other' option was unavailable from the dropdown menu.
Theme:
Conservation
Heritage and Urban Character Protection

The site contains the original Athlone Workhouse administration block (1841), a protected structure. The Westmeath County Development Plan (Policy P-BH1) and the Planning and Development Act 2000, Part IV require that any works to protected structures be accompanied by comprehensive proposals demonstrating a positive contribution to the area’s heritage and urban character.

The Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2011) state that demolition of protected structures or buildings in Architectural Conservation Areas should only be permitted where it is justified by an approved and detailed redevelopment plan.

The proposal as outlined in this consultation has not included a comprehensive plan for redevelopment and contravenes local and national policy and national planning laws.
Theme:
Business
As a business user, I strongly support the development of a professionally managed coworking space in Athlone and would be a regular user if such a facility were opened on this site. My experience working in various coworking and remote working environments has shown that the most appealing and productive spaces are those created through the sensitive retrofit of existing buildings—examples include the Tara Building on Tara Street, Dublin, the Yard Hub in Abbeyshrule, and the E-Working Centre in Mullingar.

Retaining and reusing the existing structures on this site would preserve the building’s unique story and provide distinctive, characterful spaces that are highly attractive to remote workers and start-ups. The extension to the east of the building appears, from its exterior, to be in good structural condition and, along with the refurbishment of the original workhouse building, could offer an inspiring and practical environment for the business community. This approach would avoid the significant costs and delays associated with demolition and new construction, while delivering a high-quality coworking facility that meets the needs of Athlone’s growing remote working sector.

Change of Use from RTC building to co working hub

Submitted: 25.07.2025 - 4:37pm

Unique Reference Number: WM-C116-3

Boundaries Captured on Map: No

No. of documents attached: 0

Author: Ciaran harte

Date Created: 25.07.2025 - 04:15pm

Status: Submitted

Observations

Theme:
Higher Education
Subject: Proposal for Alternative Use of Building – Music Conservatory

Hello,

I believe that, given Athlone’s strong musical heritage and its central location in Ireland, the proposed building would be better suited as a music conservatory rather than a business hub.

Athlone has a rich musical culture, supported by institutions such as the Army Band, the Athlone School of Music, numerous local music acts, and the successful Féile na Sionainne traditional music festival held each August. The recent launch of the Croílar Festival also signals a bright future for music in the town.

A partnership between TUS Athlone and Athlone - Moate municipal district Council could help provide the facilities and infrastructure needed to establish a centre of musical excellence for the Midlands. I feel this potential was not fully considered and should be revisited in the change-of-use proposal.

Additionally, the current design does not adequately protect the building’s original character or its heritage features, such as the traditional cast iron railings surrounding the site and the mortuary chapel.

Finally, I would like to note that business hubs often struggle in densely built-up areas due to limited accessibility, parking challenges, and the risk of underperformance without a robust business plan.

Thank you for considering this perspective.

Kind regards,
Ciaran Harte