It makes sense that the Dublin to Galway road link up with the existing Athlone bypass. Athlone is also in a significant geographical position to act as a counterbalance to Dublin, and the development of the town would help create a "growth pole" stretching out from Dublin.

It also has a rail service, the not insignificant voice of Minister for Public Enterprise, Mary O'Rourke, at Cabinet, a good environment based around the Shannon, and, importantly, an institute of technology. Athlone does not have a regional airport, but given the new motorway, a short travel time to either Galway or Dublin mitigates this drawback.

Athenry

Athenry is also likely to loom large in the growth stakes. With a new development plan increasing the land zoned for housing and industrial development, the rail, air and road links in place, proximity to the new N6 would simply be the icing on the cake.

Tullamore

On the assumption that the new N6 is to pass through Co Offaly, as seems likely, there is serious development potential in Tullamore. The town has undoubtedly suffered from poor access in the past. If this obstacle were to be removed, the town should benefit from proximity to Dublin, its position on the Athlone railway line, and to a lesser extent in tourism terms, the Grand Canal.

Edenderry, which is on the borders of Kildare, would be dragged into the greater Dublin area and is a likely target for dormitory housing should the access problem be eliminated.

Mullingar

Mullingar is already well positioned on the N4 and has a number of new business parks being developed in the vicinity of the by-pass. It is on the Sligo railway line and regardless of whether or not the new N6 serves the town, it will benefit from upgraded roads to Dublin.