Duncan wants town repainted before fleadh

A suggestion that a scheme to paint buildings in Mullingar in advance of the Fleadh Cheoil 2023 was made at the most June meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad by Cllr Andrew Duncan.

He said he was not talking about the shopfronts, but the overhead portions, which can often, he said, “let down” the appearance of an otherwise well-maintained building, and that had been clear in some of the photos taken at last year’s fleadh.

Cllr Duncan cited Granard in Longford, and Dingle in Kerry as locations that had implemented such painting schemes to good effect.

“We won’t be getting the fleadh again anytime soon after this year and we have a massive opportunity that can be availed of for very small money,” he said.

“I think quite a few people would paint [their] building in advance of the fleadh if there was a little bit of pressure in relation to the scheme ending before the end of start of the fleadh.

“It’s a great opportunity; it can be done; it’s small money, but it could have a hugely transformational impact on the town and I’d like to see it happen.”

Cllr Bill Collentine threw his weight behind the proposal, saying that while progress has been made, some buildings are in need of attention once one casts one’s eyes above street level.

By way of response, the district stated that significant efforts in the lead-up to the 2022 fleadh by businesses, homeowners, Mullingar Tidy Towns, and the Municipal District achieved positive enhancements in Mullingar, including the painting of building façades.

“This cross-community approach will be encouraged again in 2023 to build on the success of enhancement works from last year,” the response continued, going on to state that it is not planned to develop a formal paint scheme for non-business properties as part of the efforts.

Cllr Duncan was also informed in the response that Westmeath County Council has made funding available for business owners to improve the building façades of their properties: “Grants of up to €4,500, or 75% of the cost of the works (vat exclusive), will be available for applicants,” the response stated, adding that application forms are on the Westmeath County Council website, or email localenterprise@westmeathcoco.ie.

The cathaoirleach, Cllr John Shaw, encouraged businesses to apply for these grants, even if they have previously received grant-aid for work to their shopfronts.

Lynnderry

At the same meeting, Cllr Duncan asked that repairs be carried out to the footpaths at Lynnderry Court, but to that the response was that the estate has not been taken in charge by Westmeath County Council.