The gate lodge, currently used as an ambulance base, at Mullingar Hospital.

Councillors back deletion of hospital gate lodge from protected structures list

Westmeath County Council has supported the deletion of the former gate lodge at the Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar from the Record of Protected Structures, to make way for a new MRI scanning unit.

At a meeting of the council, the chief executive, Pat Gallagher, said two submissions were received following public consultation on the proposed deletion of the gate lodge, one from Wejchert Architects on behalf of the HSE, and secondly, The Friends of Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar, both favouring the business case for the proposed MRI scanning unit.

Westmeath County Council commissioned Martin Murray Architects, which provided an appraisal of the architectural value of the lodge, which found that there was not much of the original 1930s fabric left.

The interior, the report stated, had been reduced to a modern functioning interior, and no longer had a visual connection to the current building, It further stated that the gate lodge “has suffered from significant denouement over its years of operation” and that there are “no particularised features of the existing structure which might be regarded as being of significant architectural interest or unique in themselves”.

Mr Gallagher said, having regard to the submissions received and the architectural report in relation to the proposed deletion, he was of the view that the deletion of the gate lodge RPS can be justified in this instance, “given the overriding reason of public interest in providing essential medical services at the Regional Hospital Mullingar”.

“With this is mind, I note that works to Mullingar radiology, MRI and theatres are listed as one of the Strategic Investment Priorities and reform initiatives provided for in the National Development Plan 2018-2027,” said Mr Gallagher.

“I therefore consider that the deletion of the structure from the RPS would not be a significant loss to the architectural heritage of the area, as the building is of limited local and architectural value.”

He was supported by all members of the council.

Cllr Mick Dollard and Cllr Frankie Keena officially proposing and seconded the motion.

“It’s very important to the people of Longford Westmeath, I believe over €750,000 has been raised here locally towards the provision of an MRI scanner, it will certainly greatly enhance the image and role of Mullingar hospital,” said Cllr Dollard.