Letter to go to LDA on future of Columb Barracks
The future of Columb Barracks returned to the agenda at the October meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad.
It was raised by Cllr Michael Dollard, who is part of The Columb Barracks Committee (CBC) formed last June to address plans for the former military quarters. That committee also includes councillors Andrew Duncan, Bill Collentine, Aoife Davitt, Ken Glynn, and Julie McCourt.
At the October meeting of the MKMD, Cllr Dollard called on the local authority to liaise with the Land Development Agency seeking an up-to-date position on the LDA's preparation of a master regeneration plan for Columb Barracks “bearing in mind that a public consultation process was engaged in as far back as 2021”.
In their reply the executive pointed out that MDMK members representing the Mullingar area established the CBC “to advocate and support the regeneration and development of Columb Barracks, through the Land Development Agency”.
Director of Services, Deirdre Reilly, said any letter to the LDA should come from the committee formed to address the future of the barracks, but pointed out the committee has yet to sit or elect a chair.
The reply concluded by saying: “If the members agree contact can be made with the LDA and a letter can be issued to the LDA seeking an update to their Master Plan.”
When speaking on the issue Cllr Dollard spoke of a monument honouring the soldiers from Mullingar who fought in the Battle of Jadotville. He said €5,000 was previously allocated for the project.
The independent local authority representative said this proposed memorial will be sited near the existing monument dedicated to the deceased members of the permanent defence forces and of the Mullingar Branch of the Organisation of National Ex Service Men and Women.
Cllr Dollard said: “This would be a very fitting tribute to the local men who served in Jadotville. Tom Gunn, from St Bridget's Terrace in Mullingar, is the only one of these men who are still alive. It would be good to have this monument in place in the coming months.”
The siege of Jadotville saw a battalion of 156 Irish troops withstand a siege by 3,000 Congolese troops led by French and Belgian mercenaries.
Cllr Dollard said plans were also in train for the location of the 25-pounder field gun that was gifted to the people of Mullingar by the Irish Defence Forces for display at Columb Barracks.
The piece was previously on public display at Belvedere House and Gardens for years before recently being returned to the barracks. Cllr Dollard said the proposals are to now site the historic artefact at The Mullingar 1916 Centenary Memorial.