It comes as An Bord Pleanála granted conditional planning permission for a temporary flood relief scheme last Friday.

It will see water removed from the south Roscommon turlough by a temporary pipeline.

An appeal was lodged last year, with An Bord Pleanála this week overturning the decision by Longford County Planners and refusing the planning permission.

During its planning stage, An Bord Pleanála stated that the housing boost would have 'significant direct positive effects' for Athlone.

The new plans lodged towards the end of 2024 make a number of revisions and are now before the higher planning authority again.

Cllr Laurence Fallon was speaking following the publication of observations on an interim flood relief scheme for the turlough.

The entrance to the proposed development entrance would be through the adjoining Meadowbrook Estate, which led to a number of submissions from local residents.

The proposed height of the hotel has also caused worry among residents about privacy in the nearby dwellings.