Athlone thread

godtabh · 03-07-2020 9:12pm

Any one have any info about the SHD planning application behind SuperValu

Plumbthedepths · 03-07-2020 9:34pm

Just saw that Lidl has been granted permission to build in Baylough, great news for the area and the West side of Athlone.

whyulittle · 03-07-2020 9:37pm

godtabh wrote: »

Any one have any info about the SHD planning application behind SuperValu

This possibly?

https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2020/07/02/plans-to-be-lodged-for-400-homes-in-coosan-area/

cena · 03-07-2020 9:46pm

Anyone know what is Arm Academy in monksland beside athlone springs

03-07-2020 11:40pm

cena wrote: »

Anyone know what is Arm Academy in monksland beside athlone springs

Sounds like a place for ****!

veryangryman · 05-07-2020 12:28pm

Plumbthedepths wrote: »

Just saw that Lidl has been granted permission to build in Baylough, great news for the area and the West side of Athlone.

Decent news. IMO this should have been done further west like Monksland or even Bealnamulla where alot live.

Still beggars cant be choosers

05-07-2020 1:32pm

veryangryman wrote: »

Decent news. IMO this should have been done further west like Monksland or even Bealnamulla where alot live.

Still beggars cant be choosers

From what I understand, planning was refused in Monkslands several times due to objections from an established retailer in the area!

rn · 05-07-2020 2:13pm

This time planning application was westmeath coco.

Plumbthedepths · 05-07-2020 2:15pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

From what I understand, planning was refused in Monkslands several times due to objections from an established retailer in the area!

No just one retailer, I could name at least 10 separate businesses that objected including a business owner who only operates on the east side of the town and has no interest in setting up in the area.

Plumbthedepths · 05-07-2020 2:16pm

rn wrote: »

This time planning application was westmeath coco.

A provision for social housing helped.

veryangryman · 05-07-2020 2:54pm

rn wrote: »

This time planning application was westmeath coco.

What a roaring success the save roscommon campaign has been...

yabadabado · 05-07-2020 2:58pm

godtabh wrote: »

Any one have any info about the SHD planning application behind SuperValu

Between the back of The Bounty and SuperValu I was told.
The traffic is bad around there at the best of times ,400+ houses could cause havoc.

yabadabado · 05-07-2020 3:00pm

veryangryman wrote: »

What a roaring success the save roscommon campaign has been...

Care to elaborate?

Plumbthedepths · 06-07-2020 12:54am

yabadabado wrote: »

Care to elaborate?

Loss of rates to Ros CoCo prehaps?

dePeatrick · 06-07-2020 3:27am

Plumbthedepths wrote: »

No just one retailer, I could name at least 10 separate businesses that objected including a business owner who only operates on the east side of the town and has no interest in setting up in the area.

How shortsighted are these people?

Claw Hammer · 06-07-2020 7:20am

dePeatrick wrote: »

How shortsighted are these people?

About as far as their till.

veryangryman · 06-07-2020 9:25am

yabadabado wrote: »

Care to elaborate?

2 things stand out sofar.

1) The recent addition of the Athlone area to the rent-pressure zone list only applies to the Westmeath side, eliminating the possibility of this in Monksland

2) The planning application failure for a new retail park with a discount retailer opposite River Village IIRC couldn't get over the line in Roscommon. As has since been shown, it could be done on the Westmeath side. It is no coincidence for me that this is a gee-hair over the county line.

The demand is clearly there in Monksland for expansion, but remaining officially in wild-west country is stagnating it.

And yes Roscommon coco did good work expanding it around 2000-2003. Its been nearly 20 years though. Can't ride the crest of that wave forever.

boredatwork82 · 06-07-2020 9:55am

Stories from over the weekend of a good few publicans openly flouting the time limits in the pubs around Athlone.

Looks like we will have a second wave soon enough and be in a big old lockdown all over again. The short sightedness of businesses is staggering. A further lockdown could be devastating for the economy.

yabadabado · 06-07-2020 10:21am

boredatwork82 wrote: »

Stories from over the weekend of a good few publicans openly flouting the time limits in the pubs around Athlone.

Looks like we will have a second wave soon enough and be in a big old lockdown all over again. The short sightedness of businesses is staggering. A further lockdown could be devastating for the economy.

I dont see what difference the time limit makes to a pub if the social distancing and cleaning rules are adhered to .
The substantial food rule is similar it doesn't do anything ,what anti viral properties does food have.

If a second wave comes(it will) it won't be over the 105 + minutes in a pub.

boredatwork82 · 06-07-2020 10:28am

yabadabado wrote: »

I dont see what difference the time limit makes to a pub if the social distancing and cleaning rules are adhered to .
The substantial food rule is similar it doesn't do anything ,what anti viral properties does food have.

If a second wave comes(it will) it won't be over the 105 + minutes in a pub.

In my opinion there is no way people drinking in a pub for 6 hours will adhere to social distancing. That I believe is why I think the time limit needs to be adhered too.

yabadabado · 06-07-2020 10:37am

boredatwork82 wrote: »

In my opinion there is no way people drinking in a pub for 6 hours will adhere to social distancing. That I believe is why I think the time limit needs to be adhered too.

They were probably better off keeping places closed than issuing the 105 min rule.There is very little that can be done if someone isn't following the guide lines.

boredatwork82 · 06-07-2020 10:44am

yabadabado wrote: »

They were probably better off keeping places closed than issuing the 105 min rule.There is very little that can be done if someone isn't following the guide lines.

I agree. The rules are nonsense. We should either just get on with our lives no restrictions or continue the lockdown. I put in a tough 3 months of lockdown and it will all be for nothing.
Unfortunately the majority of pubs will not follow or enforce the restrictions. And as such they should not be allowed to re open.

But either way pubs not following the guidelines and allowing groups of people to drink for 6 hours is reckless, irresponsible and putting the whole economy and people's lives at risk.

If the pubs can't implement it, they shouldn't open.

dePeatrick · 06-07-2020 9:22pm

Dr. Kenneth Noisewater wrote: »

I've heard that The Shack, Gerties, Dead Centre, Murphy's Law and Gertie's are all open.

I can understand a lot of people not wanting to chance the pubs yet, but some are obviously dying to get out for a jar and a bite to eat for the first time in 4 months and more power to them, as long as they and the proprietors don't take the piss.

Having said all that, I actually wish they had waited another 3 or 4 weeks to open up. There are still too many cases floating around the community for this not to cause some sort of a spike, in my opinion. Hope I'm wrong!

Just passed by the Shack earlier and it was closed. Didn't take note of any of the rest, this annoying habit of keeping my eyes on the road

dePeatrick · 06-07-2020 9:32pm

Claw Hammer wrote: »

About as far as their till.

Aye, ''tis a greasy till they fumble in.

Ruben Remus · 07-07-2020 4:01pm

The Shack is open - it reopened last week:

"The Shack in Athlone reopened on Monday but it will be "more of a restaurant than a pub" for the next three weeks, according to proprietor Mark Claffey. The premises on the Dublin Road is open from 12-9pm each day but customers have to abide by the Government's guidelines on ordering a meal and staying for no longer than 105 minutes."

From:
https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2020/07/02/it-was-great-to-reopen-and-see-people-we-hadnt-seen-in-a-long-time/

L.Jenkins · 08-07-2020 8:41pm

Does anyone have any real interest in going to a pub or restaurant at this stage? Granted, I wouldn't mind going away for a weekend or getting out for a night, but I couldn't care either.

Saint_Mel · 09-07-2020 8:46am

L.Jenkins wrote: »

Does anyone have any real interest in going to a pub or restaurant at this stage? Granted, I wouldn't mind going away for a weekend or getting out for a night, but I couldn't care either.

Went out with the Mrs last week for food and a few drinks and it was great to get out ... having said that though, if I just wanted a few pints with the lads, or just a quite pint, I wouldn't be @rsed booking a table and getting food.

Between group chats and the odd zoom call I've probably talked more to groups of friends since lockdown than before it, so even if we did get to the pub we'd have nothing left to talk about

Plumbthedepths · 09-07-2020 5:05pm

L.Jenkins wrote: »

Does anyone have any real interest in going to a pub or restaurant at this stage? Granted, I wouldn't mind going away for a weekend or getting out for a night, but I couldn't care either.

Yes I'm looking forward to having a pint and going for a meal. I've been lucky enough to work throughout this crisis so very little time to dwell on it. I now look forward to normal stuff again. Booked a restaurant in town for Saturday night my favourite place Dei Bella. Also I think it's important to support business even pubs and restaurants, they employ people too.

yabadabado · 09-07-2020 6:47pm

L.Jenkins wrote: »

Does anyone have any real interest in going to a pub or restaurant at this stage? Granted, I wouldn't mind going away for a weekend or getting out for a night, but I couldn't care either.

I've been out a few times since pubs/restaurants opened.
A meal and a few drinks is great and a nice change after 3 months of lock down.

Hopefully in another few weeks,pubs will be open and the booking/ordering of food is gone and can just tip to the local for a few pints.

dePeatrick · 11-07-2020 9:28pm

Anyone notice people feeding feral pigeons in Burgess Park recently, I have noticed this year that there is at least two people feeding them. There must be about 200 birds now and if this feeding continues there will be ten times that amount.

This has become a problem in many towns and cities around the country. Pigeons carry a lot of disease and their droppings can be toxic, feeding especially in summertime leads to over breeding and their numbers rapidly multiply because of this.

As an aside their droppings are acidic so if you have a nice car...it will damage your paintwork.

It appears there is a law against it, creating a public nuisance, and people being brought to court about it. I don't want to go that route but have talked with one person who does it to no avail, I will try again.

I'm curious as to whether any other locals have views on this subject.

11-07-2020 9:39pm

A 12 bore is the solution!

dePeatrick · 11-07-2020 10:03pm

Deleted User wrote: »

A 12 bore is the solution!

For the birds or the people feeding them...asking for a friend

TomOnBoard · 12-07-2020 12:24am

dePeatrick wrote: »

Anyone notice people feeding feral pigeons in Burgess Park recently, I have noticed this year that there is at least two people feeding them. There must be about 200 birds now and if this feeding continues there will be ten times that amount.

This has become a problem in many towns and cities around the country. Pigeons carry a lot of disease and their droppings can be toxic, feeding especially in summertime leads to over breeding and their numbers rapidly multiply because of this.

As an aside their droppings are acidic so if you have a nice car...it will damage your paintwork.

It appears there is a law against it, creating a public nuisance, and people being brought to court about it. I don't want to go that route but have talked with one person who does it to no avail, I will try again.

I'm curious as to whether any other locals have views on this subject.

Write to the Council/Local Authority and have them erect signage to prohibit feeding under whatever laws apply.

Then, if the feeding continues, it becomes an enforcement issue. Generally, individuals take more notice of regulations when they're enforceable by the local Council, rather than by some bloke who approached them in a park.

dePeatrick · 12-07-2020 1:46pm

TomOnBoard wrote: »

Write to the Council/Local Authority and have them erect signage to prohibit feeding under whatever laws apply.

Then, if the feeding continues, it becomes an enforcement issue. Generally, individuals take more notice of regulations when they're enforceable by the local Council, rather than by some bloke who approached them in a park.

Yeah, that's good advice, not some random person though, I know them but telling them the facts about how bad feeding birds is fell on deaf ears. I'll try one more time and then take it up with the council.

You're absolutely correct, I've read on the other thread about this problem how when there is signage put up there are people being prosecuted under a public nuisance act IIRC

Ceirseach · 12-07-2020 5:51pm

Did anyone hear Mary O’Rourke on Brendan O’Connor radio show this morning saying that her brother Brian Lenihan played soccer for Ireland?
I was only half listening and missed the context.
This is news to me and I can’t find anything online to say when or how often.

yabadabado · 12-07-2020 5:56pm

Ceirseach wrote: »

Did anyone hear Mary O’Rourke on Brendan O’Connor radio show this morning saying that her brother Brian Lenihan played soccer for Ireland?
I was only half listening and missed the context.
This is news to me and I can’t find anything online to say when or how often.

Is she so far gone she thinks Brian Lenihan ex Cork City and Hull player was her brother.

Claw Hammer · 12-07-2020 5:57pm

Ceirseach wrote: »

Did anyone hear Mary O’Rourke on Brendan O’Connor radio show this morning saying that her brother Brian Lenihan played soccer for Ireland?
I was only half listening and missed the context.
This is news to me and I can’t find anything online to say when or how often.

Brian Lenihan was quite a good soccer player until he became a fat drunkard.

The Little Book of Westmeath, by Ruth Illingworth, mentions that he played soccer at UCD and played for the amateur Republic of Ireland soccer team

veryangryman · 13-07-2020 3:33pm

Councils to apply for cycling funding

Is there much scope in Athlone to add more cycle lanes .

Alot of narrow roads inside the central area. Maybe some short stretches along Dublin road. Awkward though

roosterman71 · 13-07-2020 4:13pm

veryangryman wrote: »

Councils to apply for cycling funding

Is there much scope in Athlone to add more cycle lanes .

Alot of narrow roads inside the central area. Maybe some short stretches along Dublin road. Awkward though

Most likely be a white line painted on the road and a stickman drawing of a lad on a bike. And we'll be told of all the cycle lanes in town and everyone will be delighted, except the cyclist who will still be on the road with cars!

horseofstone · 14-07-2020 9:02pm

I've a question, If you park in an Athlone town council area that has a parking metre which you didn't notice and hence didn't pay for parking does the traffic warden put the parking ticket on your windscreen or do they instead post it to your home address?

veryangryman · 14-07-2020 10:24pm

horseofstone wrote: »

I've a question, If you park in an Athlone town council area that has a parking metre which you didn't notice and hence didn't pay for parking does the traffic warden put the parking ticket on your windscreen or do they instead post it to your home address?

They post you a fine and falsely claim that they put one on your windscreen is my experience. I'm suspecting similar.

Claw Hammer · 15-07-2020 11:22am

horseofstone wrote: »

I've a question, If you park in an Athlone town council area that has a parking metre which you didn't notice and hence didn't pay for parking does the traffic warden put the parking ticket on your windscreen or do they instead post it to your home address?

How could you not notice a parking meter?

Plumbthedepths · 15-07-2020 11:35am

Claw Hammer wrote: »

How could you not notice a parking meter?

I'd be more concerned they couldn't see a sign stating paid parking, there are plenty of them around the town in all parking areas the council is responsible for.

Claw Hammer · 15-07-2020 11:39am

Plumbthedepths wrote: »

I'd be more concerned they couldn't see a sign stating paid parking, there are plenty of them around the town in all parking areas the council is responsible for.

If they can't see a parking meter, they are a danger on the road. They can't see other road users either.

Demonique · 15-07-2020 1:09pm

Has anyone been to Insomnia? Its a lovely cafe but for some reason its been put in the back of Penneys, they do the best hot chocolate I've had in Ireland, they dont use powder, they have a vat of melted chocolate which they add to milk, divine

Also, there are quite a few people who ignore the signs to keep to the right on the railway walkway and to clean up after their dogs, the not keeping to the right doesnt bother me much, but the scumbags who dont clean up their dogs' ****e deserve a good boot up their collective arses.

FintanMcluskey · 15-07-2020 1:35pm

Demonique wrote: »

Has anyone been to Insomnia? Its a lovely cafe but for some reason its been put in the back of Penneys, they do the best hot chocolate I've had in Ireland, they dont use powder, they have a vat of melted chocolate which they add to milk, divine

Also, there are quite a few people who ignore the signs to keep to the right on the railway walkway and to clean up after their dogs, the not keeping to the right doesnt bother me much, but the scumbags who dont clean up their dogs' ****e deserve a good boot up their collective arses.

I had completely forgot about that insomnia outlet, remarkable to be so hidden away. Costa surely takes most passing custom in golden island.

afkasurfjunkie · 15-07-2020 8:34pm

FintanMcluskey wrote: »

I had completely forgot about that insomnia outlet, remarkable to be so hidden away. Costa surely takes most passing custom in golden island.

I walk by Costa every time to head for insomnia. Better seating, more room for a buggy/kids and coffee is nice too. Toilets are easier to access as well.

dePeatrick · 16-07-2020 2:17am

Demonique wrote: »

Has anyone been to Insomnia? Its a lovely cafe but for some reason its been put in the back of Penneys, they do the best hot chocolate I've had in Ireland, they dont use powder, they have a vat of melted chocolate which they add to milk, divine

Also, there are quite a few people who ignore the signs to keep to the right on the railway walkway and to clean up after their dogs, the not keeping to the right doesnt bother me much, but the scumbags who dont clean up their dogs' ****e deserve a good boot up their collective arses.

Discovered by accident when with OH shopping, really good coffee, have to try the chocolate now

Agreed about dogs fouling the walkways, I have no problem telling them off about it...they don't have much to say!

bobbyss · 23-07-2020 3:29pm

I am not from Athlone but I was on a day trip there recently.

Visited An Luan gallery. Lovely location. Very nice staff. Given a brochure. Brochure must have been font size 8. Did not see any names or numbers on the exhibits so did not know whose work of art was whose. That was very odd.

The nearby church St Paul's (?) has another nice location but when I went inside I found it quite dark and dreary. All the lovely carvings seemed to stop half way upwards and you were left with dull wall from thereon up. But dark and dull inside generally and not in any way upfifting.

The Prince of Wales Hotel for lunch. Polite and attentive staff. Roast beef just lovely. The chips hot but could have been cooked a bit longer. Still 9/10. I would return.

Dr. Kenneth Noisewater · 26-07-2020 11:23pm

I'd imagine that Insomnia cafe is as much there to keep people in Penney's as to draw them to Insomnia itself. They're probably renting that space from Penney's for half of nothing, with the lack of large overheads it has to be making relatively decent money.

Athlone thread

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