Burke supports €10m funding applications for Blackhall sports complex
Minister Peter Burke has welcomed recent funding applications submitted by Westmeath County Council for more than €10 million towards the development of the Mullingar regional sports complex at Blackhall.
Funding of €7.5 million is being sought through the government’s new Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund (TCRIF), which supports construction-ready projects capable of delivering significant regeneration benefits for towns and cities.
The application relates to enabling works and public realm infrastructure at Blackhall, helping to create a shovel-ready location for the future sports complex.
In addition, Westmeath County Council has applied for €2.6 million under the EU Just Transition Fund SMART programme to support site rehabilitation works at Blackhall.
Minister Burke said: “The submission of these funding applications marks another important milestone in the delivery of the Mullingar regional sports complex. This project has the potential to transform sporting, recreational and community facilities in Mullingar and across the midlands.
“I have consistently supported this project and will continue to advocate strongly for it at cabinet level.
“The applications submitted by the council demonstrate both the ambition of the project and the significant progress that has been made in advancing it.”
Procurement of the architect-led design team is under way. The design team will be responsible for detailed design, construction supervision and project handover as the development progresses through its various phases.
Minister Burke acknowledged the commitment the council has shown in progressing the project to date, including through its own financial contributions and ongoing efforts to secure funding from a range of sources.
He noted that while the applications are a step forward, further investment will be required in the coming years to deliver the full vision for the complex, including support through the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) and other funding streams.
Minister Burke said Mullingar Pool Action Group has played a significant role in building momentum for the project through sustained advocacy and engagement. “I want to commend the members for their dedication and constructive engagement throughout this process,” he said.
“Their commitment, alongside the work of WCC and other local stakeholders, has been instrumental in getting the project to this stage.”
The total estimated cost of the wider project, incorporating the Blackhall regional sports complex and the separate sports and training facilities planned for Robinstown, is around €70 million.