Westmeath County Council has said that access to Athlone town centre is being maintained and through-traffic will resume within weeks after criticism of the effect of construction of a major new enhancement scheme on traders in the area.
Business owners say their turnover is down and some employees have seen their working hours cut since the project got under way.
But the council has said the objective of the project is to transform the main street in Athlone from one that is dominated by vehicular traffic to one that is comfortable and safe for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.
It said this includes the installation of street furniture, landscaping and public art.
The council said that disturbance and inconvenience are inevitable during the construction phase and the impact is being managed by the contractor in consultation with the council, local traders and other stakeholders.
It added that vehicular and pedestrian access to Church Street is being maintained at all times.
Athlone Chamber of Commerce said the new infrastructure will transform the town centre for the better when the work is completed.
