Future of barracks is likely to be ‘mixed-use based on partnership’
The public consultation process on the redevelopment of Columb Barracks provided “important feedback”, a senior figure in the Land Development Agency (LDA) has said.
“While we remain at early days in this project, this report is an important milestone on charting a course for the future of the barracks,” Declan Hayden, community liaison officer with the LDA told the Westmeath Examiner.
He said the indications are that when the redevelopment starts, what is likely to be on the table is “a mixed-use development based on a partnership approach”.
“Among the topics respondents prioritised in their vision for the future of the barracks are community, heritage, amenity and open spaces,” said Mr Hayden.
“The potential to develop educational facilities at the site was strongly favoured by many, as was the potential for a museum, as part of the heritage at the site.
“There was a strong sense that any development should be inclusive of all ages and include a mix of uses.
“The opportunity to develop a digital and remote working hub was also raised by a number of organisations and individuals. With the shift to remote working during the pandemic, this may be particularly timely.”
The report on the findings of the consultation process report has been presented to the Columb Barracks Advisory Forum, an advisory group comprising members of Westmeath County Council, Westmeath Public Participation Network, Mullingar Chamber of Commerce, Longford Westmeath Education and Training Board, Enterprise Ireland, and the LDA.
The Columb Barracks site, which totals 9.9 hectares, is owned by the Department of Defence, but is earmarked for transfer to the Land Development Agency.
Mr Hayden explained that the consultation process was held over a two-month period during the summer and involved themed webinars, workshops, posters, information leaflets and a short survey.
“Community groups, statutory bodies, businesses and individuals participated in an extensive process, with over 100 people participating in the webinars,” Mr Hayden said, explaining that the engagement was intended to involve the community in discussing both the opportunities and the issues relating to the potential for redevelopment of the site.
“We are delighted with the outcome of this stage of consultation,” said Mr Hayden.
“The aim of the early engagement phase of this project was to consult with all stakeholders and the local community. This involved working with the core partners on the advisory group and all local elected representatives with strong community connections and who are part of the local network.
“The consultation process also involved the participation of resident associations, community, arts, culture and sports groups, local business and any individual or organisations who wished to submit their feedback or ideas.”
The next step is that the advisory forum will now consider the feedback and how to progress a regeneration roadmap. That is likely to be followed by further engagement with the community.
“What is clearly emerging from the consultation is that any redevelopment of Columb Barracks will likely be a mixed-use development based on a partnership approach,” said Mr Hayden.