Bold new plans to transform Mullingar

Olga Aughey

Ambitious plans have been unveiled that will transform the face of Mullingar as we know it, and that of Kinnegad too.

A staggering €10.89 million in funding has been announced as "seed money" for Urban and Rural Regeneration projects in Blackhall, Canal Avenue and Kinnegad core.

The “ambitious” five-year plan, described as the biggest infrastructural project we are likely to see in the county in our lifetime, was outlined by chartered engineer and project manager Deirdre Reilly at a recent Municipal District meeting.

A total €3.27 million is to be spent on transforming Blackhall into the first purpose built, "modern and dynamic" large-scale mixed use scheme in Mullingar's commercial core.

Characterised by cutting edge architecture that will act "as a beacon for future growth in the town", the plan is to build an innovation and enterprise hub, a large civic plaza, housing and multi-storey car park with links to the railway station, thus

A further €2.27 million was announced for the redevelopment of Mullingar's Canal Avenue and Environs. Optimising the potential of existing vacant properties and under-utilized lands, it will provide new urban streetscapes to "clearly define the urban edge of this neighbourhood and reinforce its sense of place", creating a sense of enclosure along Canal Avenue and McCurtain Street.

Plans are in place for residential development along with supporting community services and facilities. Bespoke accommodation for older persons to serve the needs of the ageing population of the town, is also included in the plan. Access to the River Brosna and Royal Canal will enhance the amenity potential of the area.

Meanwhile, the Kinnegad regeneration project - the only rural regeneration project in Westmeath - will see a €5.32 million fund for the development of a state-of-the-art branch library on the old Schoolhouse lands, that can accommodate a further education centre and citizens information centre.

It will develop currently disused towncentre lands to construct a community centre alongside a new town park amenity, as well as a potential enterprise area for the town.

The vision is to regenerate the core area of Kinnegad town, bringing back its vitality and viability as a sustainable town to meet the social infrastructure and economic needs of the town.

The bold plan to modernise the town was welcomed by all councillors, with Mayor of the Municipal District, Councillor Mick Dollard, saying it showed a "vision" for the town that see it into the next century, while Cllr Emily Wallace affirmed “It is possibly the biggest infrastructural project in the county that will happen in my lifetime, and probably that of my parents”.

Many however felt the five-year timeline was a little over ambitious.