Why Athlone

Ireland’s current infrastructure will struggle to meet future demand for transportation, healthcare, and utilities.

Growth concentrated in Dublin would increase regional inequalities which is why achieving balanced growth across Ireland’s regions is a key challenge for government.

The National Planning Framework recognises Athlone as a key regional centre in the Midlands, highlighting its potential to drive regional development and contribute to balanced growth across the country.

As a designated regional growth centre, Athlone is positioned to support the NPF's goal of achieving more balanced regional development. The framework aims to distribute growth more evenly between the Eastern and Midland region and the Northern & Western and Southern regions. By strengthening Athlone's role, the NPF seeks to create a counterbalance to Dublin's dominance and foster economic development in the Midlands.
Athlone's strategic location makes it well-suited to support the NPF's objectives for sustainable mobility and high-quality international connectivity. The town's position along major transport corridors can contribute to the development of an environmentally sustainable public transport system, reducing congestion and emissions while improving connectivity between urban centres. This aligns with the NPF's vision for amore connected and sustainable Ireland.

Furthermore, Athlone can play a crucial role in the NPF's aim to strengthen rural fabric and support the sustainable growth of rural communities. As a regional centre, Athlone can act as a hub for surrounding rural areas, providing essential services, employment opportunities, and supporting the development of local enterprise economies. This approach aligns with the NPF's goal of reversing population decline in small towns and rural areas while encouraging new roles and functions for existing infrastructure.

We have taken inspiration from urban centers around the world which are expanding and thriving through strategic investments in higher education.

Ann Arbor, USA

Ann Arbor (population 123,000; student population 33,000) is home to the University of Michigan. The university has stimulated the development of a range of cutting‑edge industries in medicine, aeronautics, space, and nuclear research.

Fort Collins, USA

Fort Collins (population 169,000; student population 34,000) is one of the fastest-growing small cities in the US. It is also the home of Colorado State University. The university and associated research centres have been the main driver of the city’s prosperity, attracting blue chip companies such as Microsoft, Intel, AMD and HP.

Europe

In Europe, emerging cities like Lille, France and Lund, Sweden have experienced rapid development by concentrating investments and job opportunities around major universities.

United Kingdom

The UK boasts four small yet remarkably prosperous cities, in addition to Oxford and Cambridge, that are flourishing with significant student populations. These are St Andrews, Durham, Loughborough, and Bath.