Councillors want meeting with minister during April 30 visit

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy James Browne TD, is to visit Westmeath on April 30, with stops planned in Mullingar, Kinnegad and Athlone the March meeting of Westmeath County Council heard.

Chief executive Barry Kehoe confirmed that the visit will begin in Athlone, including the official opening of a wastewater treatment upgrade, before the minister travels on to other parts of the county.

Director of services Jackie Finney said the itinerary is expected to include a sod-turning ceremony at Lissywollen in Athlone, along with visits to Greally Park and St Bridget’s Green in Athlone and Robinstown Row in Mullingar.

However, time constraints could limit the programme, as the minister is due to depart at 2pm.

Councillors across the chamber expressed a strong desire to meet the minister during the visit to raise a range of local housing and infrastructure issues.

Cllr Mick Dollard said he hoped the minister would make time to engage with elected members, while Cllr Ken Glynn and Cllr David Jones also supported the call, suggesting a meeting with both the minister and departmental officials would be valuable.

Mr Kehoe confirmed that the council has formally requested a meeting but has yet to receive confirmation.