Works will take place over the course of the project at a number of locations including Golden Island, West Side, Abbey Road, Coosan West and Burgess Park.

The 150 kilometre cycleway is part of a national route from Dublin to Galway, with the project moving through, Westmeath, Roscommon and Galway.

A new pedestrian and cycle bridge was officially opened over the River Shannon in Athlone last month as part of the route.

The lead unit is the 6th infantry battalion from Custume Barracks in Athlone.

The authority argued that the development's location endangers public safety due to the movement of the extra traffic that would accompany the completed project.

The Technological University of the Shannon joined a partnership with the Bon Secours Hospital in Galway to create clinical placements for its nursing students.

Of the seven regional producers in the final, five are from Co. Westmeath, and two are from Co. Longford.

Westmeath County planners granted planning permission with 8 conditions attached.