Lough Ennel: unappreciated 'jewel, low on the food chain'

Lough Ennell is a “jewel” in Westmeath’s crown but its “down the food chain” when it comes to the council’s priorities, according to Cllr Andrew Duncan.

Speaking at the April meeting of the Mullingar Municipal District (MMD), where his request for the council to construct toilet facilities at Ladestown end of Lough Ennell was rejected, the Fine Gael councillor said that the area’s potential as an amenity site has been neglected for far too long.

“This part of Lough Ennell is the closest to Mullingar yet it is undervalued,” he said.

Cllr Duncan added that the Ladestown end of the lake is used by “big numbers of people” from Mullingar, particularly during the summer months, and that it’s “high time” for the council to invest in facilities for visitors.

“I’m very annoyed. We should be encouraging people to use places like these. The very least we should be doing is providing toilets.”

Cllr Ken Glynn, who also called for the repair work to the launching slipway at Tudenham, agreed with Cllr Duncan, saying that the council should be “shouting and screaming” about scenic areas such as Ladestown, which he described as the “forgotten part of Lough Ennell”.

If the MMD do not have the funding at present to construct a permanent toilet, it should consider a temporary alternative before the summer.

Cllr Johnny Penrose said that a plan should be put in place for Ladestown as its a “beautiful” part of Lough Ennell, which is used by a lot of people.

Cllr Sorca Clarke said that as a mother with young children and a “regular visitor” to this part of Lough Ennell, a public toilet would be much welcomed, particularly if the council is “serious about encouraging visitors to come”.

Martin Murray, director of services for the MMD, said that a recreation plan for the Ladestown area had been drawn up before the economic downturn. It should be “dusted down” and re-examined he said.