Athlone Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Intent: To address ongoing concerns from businesses about high insurance premiums, limited competition in the market, and the slow pace of reform. We called for accelerated implementation of measures to reduce costs, improve transparency, and enhance accountability in the insurance sector, as well as support for sectors disproportionately affected by excessive premiums.

Methods: Meeting

Intent: Placement of wayfinding totems and publication of wayfinding strategy

Methods: Phone call

Intent: To obtain an update on the status of previously raised items related to the Church Street enhancement initiative, ensuring planned improvements are on track to support local businesses, pedestrian accessibility, and the overall streetscape.

Methods: Meeting

Intent: To seek an update on the development of the new co-working hub, understand its timeline for completion, and assess how it will support business growth, remote working, and economic activity in Athlone.

Methods: Meeting

Intent: To update the executive on the Chamber’s management of the Athlone.ie website and social media channels, reinforce the strong working relationship between the Chamber and Destination Athlone (DA), and highlight the successful recruitment of a Festival and Events Coordinator to enhance local event planning and promotion.

Methods: Meeting

Intent: To seek clarity on the current capacity of Athlone's fresh water infrastructure, understand its ability to support future growth and learn about planned investments to ensure sustainable development and meet the needs of business and residents.

Methods: Meeting

Intent: To identify and address obstacles related to planning restrictions and fire regulations, gain clarity on the councils plans for revitalising unused upper-floor spaces and explore any available grant supports.

Methods: Meeting

Intent: To highlight ongoing concerns around housing availability and affordability in Athlone, with a focus on the impact of restrictive planning regulations and slow approval processes. We raised the need for greater clarity and consistency in local planning policy, called for accelerated delivery of housing supply (both private and social), and enquired about available or upcoming government supports to stimulate residential development and support local workforce retention.

Methods: Meeting

Intent: To highlight the Chamber's concerns over the delays in the new Joint Urban Area Plan, emphasising the impact on investment and development. Seeking assurances that the current timeline is maintained.

Methods: Email, Meeting

Intent: To see a humanitarian solution to the needs of international protection applicants as well as a freeing up of hotel bed stock for the tourism sector.

Methods: Email