Development plan must match housing with services

Mullingar has a “strong pipeline of housing” in place as the county town has 670 developments under way. The figures came to light as local elected representatives heard of the plans for the future of Mullingar.

The Mullingar Local Area Plan identified enhanced local infrastructure and affordability as the strengths of Mullingar's role as a key town.

“There's about 670 developments which are currently under construction in Mullingar at the start of the year; 352 of those are substantially complete, there's 245 units with An Bord Pleanála, and there's also nearly 700 units permitted, but haven't started across the town.

"There is a strong pipeline of housing in the town,” Cathaldus Hartin, senior planner with Westmeath County Council, told a meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad.

Mr Hartin said Mullingar can become an important tester for strategies, plans and ideas showcasing what is possible for decarbonisation and climate action at a local level. The Local Area Plan puts a particular emphasis on the development of the Robinstown area of the county town.

“We have prepared a dedicated framework plan for the area, recognising the importance and strategic potential of the lands for the future development of Mullingar.

“We have experienced significant growth in that area and now what we're trying to do is ensure that the services are there. The Robinstown area can provide those services and to handle the future growth,” he said

The plan also identifies the St Loman's and Columb Barracks sites as areas of potential: “We have included a specific policy for what we do with landowners in conjunction with investors and government agencies. In the preparation of the regeneration plan for both Columb Barracks and St Loman's Hospital and wider grounds.”

Commenting on the proposals cathaoirleach of the MD, Cllr Ken Glynn, warned: “Mullingar is developing at a rapid rate in terms of housing, but not in terms of services.”

Cllr Glynn cited the need for planning for infrastructure like schools, transport and GP services to prepare for population increases.

Cllr Glynn also voiced his support for a proposal by Cllr Aoife Davitt for a Gaelscoil in the county town.