The largest shopping centre outside Dublin opened on Wednesday with a fotfall of 60,000 on its first day alone "In terms of numbers we've surpassed all expectations and the feedback we're getting from all the stores is great, " said Towncentre commercial Gerry Mulcahy.

Mulcahy said Fields jewelers had reported its highest opening day sales receipts in its 25 year history, and he expected other retailrers in the 30,000 sq ftshopping centre to report strong opening figures.

Locals had complained of traffic gridlock in Athlone on the opening of the EUR500m development and Mulcahy admitted the new link road from Crescent junction in Athlone was completed with only four hours to spare.

"We're getting good reports from local retailers in Athlone as business volumes are up across the town, including the Golden Island centre."

The mixed use regeneration of Athlone includes a four star Sheraton hotel, 160 flats, 1,300 car park spaces and is expected to create 1,200 jobs.

The development is one of five major urban projects across European. MK