‘Ambitious’ plans for Castlepollard outlined

An “ambitious” regeneration project proposed for Castlepollard intends to see the town’s Market House refurbished, a new town park provided, and to develop the area as a tourism hub, members of Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad (MDMK) heard at their October monthly meeting.

Westmeath County Council’s regeneration projects manager, Deirdre Ryan, said that in September, the council’s regeneration team received approval from the department to commence the project.

“There are three distinct elements to this ambitious regeneration project,” Ms Ryan said.

The first involves refurbishment of the existing Market House, in order, she said, to facilitate and provide much-needed accommodation for local community groups and organisations at a central and accessible location.

Next on the list is preparation of a detailed design for a proposed town park to provide for the recreation and amenity needs of the area.

Ms Ryan explained that the third aim of the project is to establish Castlepollard as a tourism cluster service hub, and as part of that, the Market House would be developed further as a visitor and information hub.

Cllr Frank McDermott said the development of a town park in Castlepollard would be “a serious project, but one that has massive support”.

He also wondered what sort of funds would be required for the refurbishment of the Market House, and was concerned about the wisdom of this expenditure when the council already had its own ‘one stop shop’ in Castlepollard, which he saw as suitable for many types of project.

Miss Ryan replied that the budget the team has in mind for all the works planned for Castlepollard is in the region of €410,000, and she revealed that the team has received 15 letters in support of its plans for the town. Director of services, Martin Murray, said a public consultation process will be carried out.

Decision awaited on three regeneration projects

Westmeath County Council is expecting word “shortly” on whether it is to receive funding for three projects for the Killucan Kinnegad area.

MS Ryan told members of the MDMK that funds have been sought for a Kinnegad Economic Enterprise Space; for a pedestrian and cycle link from Killucan Rathwire to the Royal Canal, and for the re-integration of Market House, Killucan as a business and community facility.

Miss Ryan said the applications were made to the ‘Just Transition Fund 2020’, a dedicated fund of €11m, financed by government through an allocation of €6m from an increase in the carbon tax and an additional €5m committed by the ESB.

“The focus of the fund is on the wider midlands region and the first call for proposals is limited to this region, (east Galway, Kildare, Laois, Longford, north Tipperary, Offaly, Roscommon and Westmeath),” Miss Ryan said, adding that the three Westmeath funding applications had been drawn up by the regeneration team and the Local Enterprise Office (LEO).

Cllr John Shaw asked was there a timeframe, saying that if they came to fruition they would be “very exciting” for the area.

Director of services, Martin Murray, was optimistic that word would come soon, and said the fund administrators had come back to Westmeath County Council a number of times seeking further detail on its proposals.