Council wants public's views on €8.5m Kinnegad regeneration plans

Westmeath County Council has already announced it is planning significant regeneration projects at Kinnegad – and from this week, the public is being asked to submit its views on what is required to make the project a success.

A budget of €8.5m has been allocated for the works – €7.6m in Rural Regeneration and Development Funding, and funds from Westmeath County Council making up the remainder – and on the council’s website, under its ‘Our Services’ tab, details of what is envisioned are set out as well as links enabling residents to share their opinions.

The council vision for Kinnegad is to regenerate the heart of the town, restoring its vitality by delivering social infrastructure, thus creating a sustainable and viable town centre that will encourage and support the local economy.

Key elements are a new library and education and training centre in new premises and incorporation of the old national school on the main street, while a new town park and community facilities are planned for the former community centre and lands on the Athlone Road.

The council also wants to enhance the town environment through “positive placemaking and public realm interventions”.

The aim of this, the council says, to assist in the socio-economic development of the area: “Through this Regeneration Project, Westmeath County Council is seeking to deliver a highly sustainable and integrated social infrastructure within the town centre that will support the local community, enhance local amenities and stimulate the development of the town and its hinterland.”

The work is being undertaken by Cooney Architects in a joint venture with Monaghan Key Architects (CAKMJV). The firms were appointed on July 31 to deliver the community library, education training centre and public realm from part 8 to construction.

Submissions can be made up to 5pm on Friday October 29.