Roscommon County Council has confirmed the approval of €1.39 million in funding for the development of a new waterfront park at Hodson Bay, Athlone. The project, which includes a marina expansion, is being delivered in partnership with Waterways Ireland and supported by Fáilte Ireland under the EU Just Transition Fund.
The funding will advance the Hodson Bay waterfront park through initial phases including environmental assessment, economic evaluation, design and planning consent. The project is subject to securing planning approval and could progress to a construction stage valued at an estimated €30 million.
The council and Waterways Ireland will jointly contribute €320,000 in match funding, while €1.07 million is provided under the Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme 2023-2026 through the EU Just Transition Fund 2021-2027.
A key feature of the proposed development is the enhancement and expansion of the existing marina, increasing capacity to accommodate approximately 50 additional berths. The wider plan also includes a new promenade and improved facilities for water activities such as boating and swimming, as well as revised access routes to ensure the site remains inclusive and sustainable. The redevelopment is designed to connect with the proposed Lough Ree Greenway, which further links the waterfront to regional tourism infrastructure.
The contract signing ceremony with Civic Engineers Ltd, appointed as lead consultants, took place on Tuesday. The event was attended by Cathaoirleach Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice and Roscommon County Council Chief Executive Shane Tiernan.
Mr. Tiernan described the development as a vote of confidence in the area’s tourism sector and water-based amenities. He noted that the natural setting of Lough Ree and the River Shannon already attracts visitors and that the initiative will strengthen the region’s tourism offering.
Fáilte Ireland’s Paddy Mathews, Head of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, stated that the project demonstrates how the EU Just Transition Fund is reshaping tourism across the Midlands. He highlighted its role in attracting visitors and supporting jobs and local enterprises.
“This creates more reasons for domestic and international tourists to visit, sustaining jobs, businesses and local communities. Roscommon is a key destination in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, and we look forward to working closely with Roscommon County Council to deliver this project and support the sustainable development of tourism for the benefit of visitors and communities across the region,” Mathews stated.
Brian Treacy, Western Regional Manager at Waterways Ireland, called the funding milestone a transformative step. He highlighted the agency’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to establish Hodson Bay as a key destination on the River Shannon.
The development will now move into the design and planning phase with a goal of creating a facility that supports balanced and sustainable tourism and economic growth. The development also aligns with the Shannon Tourism Masterplan 2020-2030 and the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands Regional Development Strategy 2023-2027.
