Athlone businesses slam timing of motorway closure

The Athlone Chamber of Commerce has said it is "outraged" at plans to close part of the main Dublin to Galway motorway for up to three weeks before Christmas.

Roscommon County Council has said the motorway between the Roscommon exit and Monkland will close between December 5 and 23, forcing motorists to use the old Dublin to Galway road.

It said it will be carrying out roadworks to deal with drainage issues, but the road would only be closed for three weeks in the event of bad weather.

President of Athlone Chamber of Commerce Michael O Brien told iRadio that the council really didn't put any thought into the timing of the roadworks.