Advisory group established for Columb Barracks

The Land Development Agency (LDA) has established an Advisory Committee with local representatives to consult the community ahead of any proposed development of Columb Barracks.

The news has been welcomed by Ministers of State Peter Burke and Robert Troy.

Burke, who has met with the LDA team on multiple occasions since last August, said this week he has been impressing on them the need for public consultation on the development of the Columb Barracks site, and added that as a TD in the previous Dáil, he secured a commitment from the then Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy that there would be a community dividend for the people of Mullingar, and the LDA would consult and engage with all the clubs who operate from the Barracks.

Minister Troy, who has been advocating since the closure of the barracks for the need to redevelop the historical grounds, said he welcomed the progress given the considerable social and historical importance of the site. “Now that the LDA legislation is making its way through the Dáil, once approved, it will enable work to commence properly to redevelop this important, historic site,” he said.

Minister Burke said that the barracks must be preserved for its historical and cultural importance, “as has been outlined eloquently by Jason McKevitt and many others”.

He stated that the new advisory committee will consist of representatives from the LDA, Westmeath County Council, a PPN community representative, Mullingar Chamber of Commerce, the LWETB and Enterprise Ireland. The terms of reference were, he said, drawn up with advice from Westmeath County Council earlier this year.

“Formal invitation letters are due to be issued today, Monday, and it will be for each of the organisations to decide who will represent them.”

He said he has received a commitment that a detailed public consultation process will be undertaken before any planning is lodged: “We need to ensure that the community is at the heart of shaping and driving any future plans for this site which has a huge significance for our town.

“Furthermore, the LDA plan to make a presentation and engage with members of Mullingar - Kinnegad Municipal District Councillors on the week of March 8.

“There has been a lot of confusion around the plans for the Barracks in recent weeks. I have confirmed to all who have contacted me, and am happy to do so again, that the LDA have committed to carry out public consultation ahead of any development.”

Minister Troy said he wants to see this site working for the community. “Columb Barracks and the surrounding lands has been totally underutilised since its abrupt closure in 2012 and has significant potential as an enhanced hub for the community, with potential for residential, business, education and culture, and community developments. The proposed redevelopment of this important site is something that will benefit the whole of the community, the town and further afield. Given such high potential, I want to see this site developed in an ambitious way that takes account of all the opportunities this site affords. This can only be done in collaboration with all stakeholders.”