Westmeath County Council have been awarded over 4 million euro in urban regeneration funding.
The grants announced today by the Department of Housing, planning and Local Government are part of the Urban Regeneration Fund.
Athlone's allocation is earmarked to complete regeneration works along Church Street and extend them into the surrounding streets, including adjustments to the traffic flow, pedestrian areas and paths.
The funding also includes a plan to progress a compulsory purchase order on the derelict site of the former O'Neill's pub and Finlay Auctioneer premises, which burned down over 10 years ago.
Cathaoirleach of the Athlone- Moate Municipal District Aengus O'Rourke says the future works will lead to a marked improvement of the town:
