Views sought on plans for Canal Avenue area
Westmeath County Council are inviting the community to take part in an in-person public consultation on the regeneration of land at Canal Avenue, Mullingar, through the Project Ireland 2040 Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF).
This consultation relates to a Regeneration Masterplan for Canal Avenue which seeks to encourage economic, social and community development by creating a highly sustainable and integrated mixed-use quarter in Mullingar that reconnects the town to the River Brosna and the Royal Canal.
The masterplan proposals have been informed by an earlier phase of consultation with local resident groups and stakeholders in addition to application of national and international best planning practice and a robust analysis of the site and wider area, said the council.
David Jones, director of services, Westmeath County Council, said the vision for the Canal Avenue Masterplan is the result of a period of community and stakeholder engagement and progressive design process.
“This future vision for Canal Avenue will deliver destination balanced by a vibrant new urban living quarter that will transform and future-proof this area of Mullingar.”
The regeneration-led masterplan incorporates a number of key design components including a gateway building along the Royal Canal and a fully accessible connection point that enables pedestrian and cycle access from the Royal Canal along a new linear park flanking the River Brosna.
The proposals also feature ‘later living’ opportunities and an opportunity to deliver nursing home accommodation centrally in the site, in addition to a mix of urban house types to help diversify local housing provision including single-person units, family homes and housing for the elderly.
The mayor of the municipal district, Cllr John Shaw, said: “This marks an exciting milestone for Mullingar as it signals confidence in the town, as a positive precedent towards investment and regeneration in the area.
“We look forward to engaging with the local community once more and listening to their views on the proposed future design for Canal Avenue as Westmeath County Council take a significant step forward in realising the development ambition for the site.”
A public information event will take place on Thursday July 20 (3-7pm), at Westmeath County Council, Áras An Chontae, Mount Street, Mullingar, N91 FH4N.
Design proposals of the draft masterplan will be on display.
An online survey is available to capture feedback on the draft Masterplan proposals at www.canalavenue.ie.
Physical copies of the survey will be made available on request. The survey will close on Friday August 4.
Members of the public can also contact the Regeneration Project Team as follows: post to, The Regeneration Project Team, Westmeath County Council, Áras an Chontae, Mullingar, County Westmeath, N91 FH4N;
Regen@westmeathcoco.ie;
044-9332000.
Westmeath County Council secured funding for the project from the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) which is provided to support sustainable development, as set out in Project Ireland 2040.