Pool action group chair meets Tánaiste
The chair of the Mullingar Pool Action Group met Tánaiste Micheál Martin during his recent visit to the town to discuss the need for a new pool.
Lisa Corcoran says the meeting with the FF leader, organised by Deputy Robert Troy, was productive.
“The tánaiste was aware of our meeting in government buildings last December with then Minister for Sport Jack Chambers. He was eager to hear of the progress being made and on the whole was supportive of the project. Having all key stakeholders being supportive of this project is essential in bringing it to fruition.”
In February, the contract for the design and planning phase of a new swimming pool and regional sports centre at Robinstown was put out to tender by the county council.
Ms Corcoran added:
“The design of the new swimming pool with respect to the needs and the capacity of the community is essential. We look forward to working with all key stakeholders highlighting and promoting this critical piece of sporting infrastructure for the town of Mullingar and surrounding areas.”
Littering at the diving board
A member of the public has called on the council to crack down on people who leave rubbish behind at the diving board at Portnashangan and other lakeside amenity areas this summer. Large groups of people spent the weekend at the diving boards enjoying the weather – however, not for the first time, council staff were left with a significant clean-up operation each morning.
One of the many local people who regularly swim at the diving boards contacted the Westmeath Examiner yesterday to call on the council to ensure that this does not become a regular occurrence again this summer.
He said that the local authority should look at installing solar powered CCTV in a bid to deter people from leaving rubbish behind. “Technology is available that could have an influence on behaviour change in relation to littering at beauty spots in Westmeath. We have, I think, resolved a GDPR issue to utilise CCTV to identify people who litter at these beauty spots.
“They are the jewels in the crown of Westmeath’s tourism attractions and natural amenities. What we should do through the council is deploy this technology and have proper enforcement by the litter wardens.
“It is an ongoing saga for bathers at these beauty spots. Other councils such as Meath have deployed drones and CCTV to address littering issues. Westmeath need to up their game,” he said.