We're not 'useless' says council

Westmeath County Council has hit back at claims made by a Mullingar businessman that it is the “most useless council of all time”.

In a statement issued to the Westmeath Examiner, the local authority “refuted strenuously” comments made by well known Mullingar businessman Des Walsh at a February 10 meeting to the revitalisation of the town’s retail sector saying that the language used was “intemperate and offensive to the elected members and staff”.

“The council is open to feedback from all stakeholders and welcomes all views. However, the council expects that respect would be shown to the elected members and staff of the council, who are working diligently and earnestly to improve and develop the town and county in the interests of all.

“Regarding the substantive issue (the revitalisation of the retail sector and town centre in Mullingar), it should be noted that the population of Mullingar has expanded significantly in recent years and this has been made possible by the policies and work of the council.

“It should be noted that this expansion in population has increased the local market for goods and services.

Earlier this week, Mr Walsh told the paper that he stood by his comments.

“The response to my comments has been very positive on my side and people have been agreeing with me. I have no agenda. I just want to see things done properly for Mullingar and Westmeath. A lot of people feel the same way but they are afraid to come out and say it.”