Former ‘Miller and Cook’ building to become LWETB HQ

The former Bank of Ireland building opposite the Market Square in Mullingar is set to become the headquarters of the Longford and Westmeath Educational Training Board (LWETB).

The announcement was made over the weekend by Deputy Peter Burke, Minister of State with responsibility for EU Affairs and Defence, who revealed to the Westmeath Examiner that he had received confirmation of the development from his cabinet colleague, Minister Simon Harris.

He said that at its last meeting, the Department of Education’s Property Oversight Group gave approval in principle for LWETB to enter into a lease on the premises.

“The building will be familiar to everyone in Mullingar and has been lying idle in recent times, so it was a perfect fit in a prime location in the centre of town which will increase footfall, and make the ETB headquarters accessible to all,” Minister Burke said, explaining that the development means the ETB will move from its current premises in Marlinstown and have all its services available under one roof in the middle of the town.

Empty for almost four years, the premises operated firstly as Miller and Cook restaurant and later as Huli burgers after the Bank of Ireland moved out.

“There are some works to be done to the building, including some retrofitting work, but it is expected LWETB will occupy the building from January 1 2025,” Minister Burke told the Westmeath Examiner.

Continuing, he said he was glad Minister Harris recognised the importance of a central location for the ETB and sanctioned approval without delay.

Minister Burke went on to say the announcement comes at an important juncture for the training board which, he said, is consistently increasing its footprint and making more courses and resources for learners, available locally in Mullingar – not least, the national centre of excellence for electric vehicles.

“The LWETB, in conjunction with SOLAS and the Department of Further and Higher Education, is busy preparing that new national centre of excellence for electric vehicles, which will be based in Mullingar,” he stated.

Significantly, the closing date for staff recruitment for that passed last week.

“There is a project office driving the centre set up within the ETB in Marlinstown and I continue to receive updates from Minister Harris on the project,” he stated, adding that Minister Harris has been in Mullingar on a number of occasions in recent months to progress the project.

“A large-scale industrial site will be needed for the centre, and operations will include training for mechanics in electrical vehicles and upskilling on an extensive scale.

“It will be run by SOLAS and apprenticeships will be offered, as well as research and there will be involvement by the private motor industry, who are all fully behind the new centre.”

Minister Burke concluded by wishing LWETB chief executive, Liz Lavery, and her staff the best in their new building.

“We are lucky to have such a strong educational body embedded within our community,” he said.