Zoning and housing key areas of new plan for Mullingar

Zoning, housing and sustainable development were among the key takeaways as members of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad reviewed details of Westmeath County Council’s Local Area Plan for Mullingar.

Supporting an expanding population is the primary objective of a plan which will set out a framework for development up to 2030.

In a presentation to the MD members at their May meeting, Cathaldus Hartin, senior planner with Westmeath County Council, outlined the strategy for the planning and development of the administrative area of Mullingar and its immediate environs.

The plan is strategic in outlook and focuses on key economic, social and environmental issues affecting Mullingar. It also includes tailored and site specific objectives and actions to enable the town fulfil its development potential.

“It sets out a broad land use framework for development in the area and it guides the development to appropriate locations in terms of housing, transportation, employment, heritage, recreation and support, community and social infrastructure,” Mr Hartin told members.

The planner said sustainability is at the heart of the project: “There’s a strong commitment in the plan to make sure the town continues to grow in a way that supports strong, healthy and connected communities with services and amenities needed for people to enjoy a high quality of life. It marks an important milestone in shaping the plan’s future and an opportunity to reaffirm Mullingar’s role as a regional growth centre.”

Mr Hartin said a detailed analysis of present day Mullingar identified the future needs: “The first of the assessments carried out was the settlement capacity audit.

“That was used to underpin all our zoning in the plan and looked at Mullingar’s infrastructure capacity to accommodate new residential and economic development, assessing areas such as transportation, roads, paths and cycleways, public lighting, water and wastewater utilities.”

MD members heard that among the themes considered were culture and heritage, recreation, social infrastructure, economic development and regeneration. Zoning, compact growth and infrastructural services, education, social and community and amenities, transport, mobility and climate action all featured as priorities.

The report notes that Mullingar is located within the “gateway region” and is identified as a “key town”, meaning it provides important connections with adjoining regions and has the capacity for potential to accommodate above average growth.

The plan consists of a written statement, an accompanying group of maps and supporting assessments, particularly environmental assessments such as the strategic environmental assessment, appropriate assessment and strategic flood risk assessment.

The senior planner thanked the elected representatives for their contribution.

“I want to thank the members for their ongoing engagement as part of this process,” Mr Hartin said. “Much of what you have raised is meaningful and has been included in the draft plan. Because of your early engagement, it has allowed us to adapt, update and add value to what we have presented today.”

Mr Hartin told members that the LAP had identified “specific policy” for engaging with landowners, investors and government agencies in respect of proposals for developing St Loman’s and Columb Barracks: “We will consider future options with a view to securing viable alternative uses and the creation of sustainable employment opportunities in these areas. In this context, these areas are to be designated in the plan’s strategic opportunity sites.”

The plan is set to be published on June 10, and ultimately adopted in April of 2026.