Gardaí at Athlone are investigating a fire that is still ongoing at 2 premises on Castlemaine Street in the town. It involves a public house and an auctioneers. All other premises in the immediate vicinity have been evacuated.
Gardaí and fire services are at scene.
Castlemaine Street has been closed and diversions are in place at the following junctions to prevent traffic from entering the centre of town:-
Crescent Junction
'Supermacs' at Irishtown
Dunnes Store Roundabout at Golden Island
North Gate Street/Customs Place Junction
Shoppers and others who wish to access the town are advised that the 3 main car parks at Fairgreen, Newtown Centre and Golden Island are still open and are only a short walk from the shops.
Garda Press Office.