A blueprint for Ireland’s first green city

Sean Mulryan has unveiled a visionary masterplan for Athlone, a new, sustainable city designed to accommodate a population of 100,000 by the year 2040. This initiative represents a bold solution to Ireland’s future population growth and a transformative approach to sustainable urban development.

Details of the plan have been shared with senior policy makers across many sectors in Irish society, and with a range of local political and commercial representatives. Furthermore, a highly-capable steering group whose members will bring exceptional leadership and proven track record of impact has been assembled. Leveraging their expertise, they will liaise with important stakeholders to bring this new green city to life.

A model for sustainable urbanisation
Athlone has been identified as the ideal pilot for this initiative due to its existing assets: a university campus, a town centre with room to expand, and natural resources capable of generating 90% of the city’s energy from renewable sources. Its central location, bridging the North-West and Midlands regions, ensures broad economic benefit.

The masterplan includes:
•    Expansion of the TUS Athlone campus to 25,000 students, focused on green technology
•    A 5,000-bed eco-friendly student village
•    20,000 new zero-carbon homes
•    Enhanced and expanded riverfront city centre
•    Infrastructure for electric driverless buses, EVs, bikes, and pedestrians
•    New hospital, schools, arts, and sports facilities
•    5,000 hectares of rewilded wetlands and rewetting of bogs

Strategic vision for Ireland
This is a credible blueprint for addressing Ireland’s demographic and environmental challenges. It aims to decarbonise the economy, restore natural habitats, and rebalance development away from the east coast.
The plan envisions Athlone as a leading European centre for environmental innovation and green technology, attracting students and researchers from across Ireland and beyond. The investment in education will stimulate startup clusters and generate high-quality employment opportunities.

City of nature and innovation
Athlone will be transformed into a city of green spaces, active travel, and self-sustaining neighbourhoods. Natural habitats will be restored, and infrastructure will be designed to adapt to climate change, mitigate flooding, and reuse rainwater through advanced “sponge city” design.
Road networks will prioritise electric and autonomous transport, while the river will become a key part of local mobility. Services and amenities will be accessible within a 15-minute walk or bike ride for all residents.

Reimagining Athlone as Ireland’s first green city is a strategically vital project that will benefit all of Ireland.