Westmeath County Council has completed a compulsory purchase order on lands along the Shannon River to progress flood defence works in Athlone. The CPO was approved by An Bord Pleanála this week for the lands at Deer Park which has been identified as Flood Cell one in the plans. The works, which have caused a considerable amount of disruption to traffic in the town, are designed to protect the Athlone urban area from flooding once complete. Three objections were made to the CPO by Eastshore Developments Limited, Westshore Developments Limited and Bastion Quay Management Company Limited.
They highlighted concerns that the compulsory purchase would affect planned development of their lands, with one objection referring to concerns that the flood works would not be fit for purpose. Approving the CPO, the higher planning authority stated that the application was in the public interest and served the community. Local Councillor Aengus O'Rourke says that the work is vital for the security of those in town:
