'We won’t be idle' vow as council outline projects for district

Westmeath County Council have outlined an extensive programme of capital and amenity projects aimed at progressing Mullingar and the wider Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District in 2026.

District manager Mary Goldsberry said that while some projects do not fall directly under the Schedule of Municipal District Works, the district office plays a significant supporting role in advancing major developments across the area.

She highlighted ongoing assistance with the Mullingar Regional Sports Complex and the Robinstown Sports Complex, where the district is supporting regeneration teams through service provision and project coordination.

The district is also assisting with delivery of the Delvin Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) project, including land acquisition and progression of the Part 8 planning process.

Ms Goldsberry said lands at Lough Lene in Collinstown will be acquired, and a tourism-led consultant is to be appointed to prepare preliminary designs and advance a Part 8 planning application. The project will support an Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Measure 3 application aimed at delivering a large-scale amenity development in Collinstown.

A series of access and amenity upgrades are planned around Lough Lene and other lake amenities, including improvements at Ladestown, Donore Lakeside and Slevin’s Lake, with a focus on inclusive access and improved visitor experience.

In Kinnegad, Phase Two of the looped walk lighting and traffic calming project will proceed in 2026, funded under the Community Recognition Fund.

Community and recreational infrastructure across the district is also set for significant improvement. Planned works include the upgrade of the playground in Coole, resurfacing works at Dalton Park, development of the Grange Linear Park playground, and upgrades to the Fore Nellie to Nancy walk, including resurfacing, signage, community seating and sensory areas.

Cemetery improvement works are planned at Lacken Cemetery and Coole Main Cemetery, including boundary wall upgrades, de-vegetation and masonry repairs.

Funding has also been secured to install solar compacting bins in Raharney, Fore, Finea, Coole and Multyfarnham, while lands in Raharney will be transferred to facilitate development of a new playground. These projects are being funded through the Department of Rural and Community Development, with match funding from Westmeath County Council.

Ms Goldsberry also outlined a new Nature-Based Solutions programme launched by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and administered by the Local Authority Waters Programme. The fund supports projects that deliver water-quality benefits and complement Active Travel, housing or regeneration initiatives.

The district has submitted expressions of interest for projects at Belvedere, Green Road, Delvin Road, Grange, Kinnegad and Killucan.

Upgrade works to the Castlepollard depot will also proceed following planning determination, with procurement to be progressed in 2026.

Looking ahead, Ms Goldsberry confirmed that Westmeath has been allocated €4.1 million for walking, cycling and greenway infrastructure under the National Transport Authority’s Active Travel and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme. A breakdown of district projects will be presented next month as part of the annual transportation programme.

She said the district office will continue to collaborate with Coillte, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Waterways Ireland and other partners to enhance amenity sites, while also supporting town teams and community groups, including Castlepollard Town Team.

Ms Goldsberry said the district will also remain heavily involved in the delivery of festivals and events across the area, providing support such as street cleaning, traffic management, crew support, installation of event infrastructure and seasonal lighting.

Events planned for 2026 include St Patrick’s Day celebrations, the Mullingar Half Marathon, summer events, Mullingar Pride and Winterfest.

“That’s a flavour of the work we’ll be doing in 2026,” she said. “We won’t be idle.”