Council plan tourism and branding drive to boost appeal of Mullingar

The Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad is stepping up efforts to progress Mullingar as a place to live, work and visit through a combination of destination branding, tourism development and continued investment in the town’s public realm.

Senior executive officer Mary Goldsberry outlined the approach at the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District February meeting while presenting elements of the Schedule of Municipal District Works.

Under the Development Management Division, Ms Goldsberry highlighted the Destination Mullingar initiative being advanced by Westmeath County Council in partnership with Mullingar Chamber and other key stakeholders.

She said the initiative aims to identify opportunities and challenges that can be addressed through coordinated engagement and strategic planning, with a focus on delivering short- and medium-term actions that will strengthen Mullingar’s position as a destination.

Funding of €30,000 has already been secured for the project, with €20,000 approved by the Economic Development, Enterprise and Tourism and Agriculture Strategic Policy Committee and a further €10,000 awarded under Fáilte Ireland’s EU Just Transition Fund Tourist Initiative.

Ms Goldsberry said the funding will allow for the appointment of a tourism brand development consultant to engage with stakeholders, establish a dedicated destination management organisation and define Mullingar’s key selling points, opportunities and future funding pathways.

The consultant will also develop a marketing action plan and oversee the evolution of Mullingar’s brand to ensure it resonates with both existing and new markets, positioning the town as a compelling destination to work in and visit.

Progress in town presentation and environmental standards was also highlighted. Ms Goldsberry noted that Mullingar was ranked 14th out of 40 towns in the 2025 An Taisce IBAL anti-litter league tables, which described its performance as solid and commended several locations for their high standards.

Mullingar Town Park, county buildings and the Mullingar Arts Centre were all praised, while drinking water fountains at the town’s main entrance and on Oliver Plunkett Street were also highlighted as positive features.

Ms Goldsberry said the district is aiming to build on that performance in 2026, with a particular focus on the Tidy Towns competition.

She confirmed that Mullingar has been nominated for the Best Kept award in Ireland’s Best Kept Towns competition for 2026, in recognition of its strong showing in last year’s Tidy Towns results.

She also confirmed that Mullingar has retained its Purple Flag award, recognising the town’s management of the evening and night-time economy.

Ms Goldsberry said the district remains committed to working closely with the Mullingar Tidy Towns committee to ensure the town is presented to the highest possible standard, with litter control schedules in place across the district.