Local business owners, architects, and civic leaders in Athlone have welcomed the government’s new Living City Initiative, saying it could help breathe new life into the town centre, reduce dereliction, and attract more residents and visitors — if implemented effectively.
The scheme, announced as part of Budget 2026, offers tax relief to property owners who refurbish vacant commercial buildings or convert “over-the-shop” spaces into residential units.
Architect Mel McGerr, Director of Adamson McGerr Architects, said the move presents a major opportunity for Athlone. His firm, soon relocating to a new town centre premises, is optimistic that the plan could spark long-overdue regeneration.
“Something like the Living City Initiative is a real opportunity to encourage people to come back into the town,” Mr McGerr said. “If we can attract more people to live here, it can only be positive. Streets like Connaught Street have great character but have suffered from dereliction for too long.”
He called for the scheme to be kept simple and accessible. “Too often, tax reliefs like these are overly complex and underused,” he said. “We need local workshops to explain how it works and encourage people to get involved. The ultimate goal is to make buildings attractive, occupied, and part of a vibrant town.”
Retailers also see potential in the initiative. Rosie Boles, owner of Burgess of Athlone — Ireland’s oldest department store — said she supports the idea but remains cautious. “We’re in a listed building, which comes with extra costs,” she said. “We have planning permission for apartments above the shop, but we paused the work due to red tape. This new relief could help, but retail is shrinking, and many of us have limited capacity to invest.”
Despite challenges, Ms Boles believes the scheme could restore a sense of community. “I’d be delighted to see people living in town again — it would make Athlone feel alive,” she said.
Local businesses in the hospitality sector share that optimism. Declan Delaney, owner of Sean’s Bar — reputed to be Europe’s oldest pub — said revitalising derelict buildings would enhance tourism and the local economy. “It’s very sad to see idle buildings. If this helps, it’ll be great,” he said, noting growing demand for “over-the-shop” living among younger residents.
Athlone Chamber of Commerce also called the measure “a positive step,” with CEO Tommy Hogan pledging to work closely with Westmeath County Council to ensure successful delivery.
Councillor Frankie Keena of Fianna Fáil described the scheme as “a real vote of confidence in Athlone,” urging the council to identify regeneration areas quickly. “It offers tax incentives to refurbish vacant properties and convert them into urban housing,” he said. “We need to get started right away — we only have a five-year window.”
