Athlone's neglected west side has been given a major boost with the news that a €20 million commercial and residential development is to go ahead.
The development on Connaught Street, one of the oldest of the town's thoroughfares - will help to re-balance its commercial life.
In recent years most development has taken place on the east side of the town, which includes the Golden Island Shopping Centre.
An Bord Pleanála has backed the plan to build 77 apartments, seven retail units, a medical centre, a creche, a pub and a restaurant on the west side.
This part of the town, which lies beyond the town bridge spanning the Shannon river - has been described locally as "an economic backwater".
"Hopefully this development will restore the west side to its former glory," said Cllr Kieran Molloy.
The project will take M&M Construction 18 months to complete.
Objections were lodged by Grenham Travel, c/o Quinn Barnwall Associates, Bloomfield House, Bloomfield Avenue, Dublin; and Tony O'Donnell, 29 Connaught Street, Athlone.
Grenham Travel has a travel agency beside the proposed development.
A Labour councillor and local trader, Mr Ray Lennon, said: "It's great news for me, both as a councillor for the west side and as a business man in Connaught Street.
"It's long overdue, and the street needs something like this to maintain its viability.
"Connaught Street has traditionally been a good shopping street and it has been left behind for the past few years, so this is great news."
Mr James Brett, of Brett's Pharmacy, said: "I am very happy that it has got the go-ahead, and it will give the street a boost. There have been a number of derelict buildings on Connaught Street for the past few years, so hopefully this new development will spur the owners of these buildings to do something about them."