HSE considering plans for Mullingar Workhouse

The Health Service Executive say plans for the future of the former famine workhouse building in Mullingar are still under consideration.

Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Robert Troy, has raised the issue in the Dáil a number of times over the last four years.

He initially broached the subject by asking the minister for health to engage with the property section of the HSE to form a plan to protect and enhance the historical building at Old Longford Road, Mullingar. In the most recent correspondence with Minister Troy, the HSE said the site has undergone “clearance and protection” works which were completed in 2024.

Micheál Conneely, interim national director of Capital and Estates at the HSE, said: “These works included the removal of asbestos, lead paint, general debris and the subsequent sealing up of the building to prevent further issues.”

Mr Conneely said plans are in the pipeline for the historic building: “The HSE is currently examining proposals for the future use of the old famine workhouse on the old Longford Road, Mullingar.

“These proposals will be developed in line with Infrastructure Guidelines, with the development of Strategic Assessment Report and Preliminary Business Case up to Approval Gate 1, at which point further details will be determined.”

Previously Deputy Troy said in the last four years “nothing whatsoever has been done” to the historic building and maintained he will continue to raise the issue.