Flower power helps put Mullingar in contention for national titles

More than 4,600 plants, 130 hanging baskets and 60 new trees have been added across Mullingar this year as the town bids for success in a series of prestigious national competitions.

The figures were revealed at the June meeting of the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District during a discussion on expanding floral displays to more streets throughout the town.

Cllr Bill Collentine called on the council to examine extending hanging baskets and flower displays to additional areas of Mullingar, arguing that some streets feel they are being left out despite the significant investment already made.

In response, the District Office confirmed that floral arrangements have been increased this year, and larger hanging baskets and new locations have been added as part of preparations for national adjudications.

Providing an update, council official Mary Goldsberry said 130 hanging baskets have been installed throughout the town, alongside 2,355 plants in floral displays, a further 2,200 plants at roundabouts, and 60 large trees.

She also highlighted increased staffing levels for litter picking and maintenance, particularly at weekends, as well as ongoing efforts to improve street furniture and the overall appearance of the town.

The investment comes as Mullingar competes in several high-profile competitions, including the All-Ireland Tidiest Town Awards, the SuperValu Tidy Towns competition and the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) rankings.

Cllr Collentine praised the efforts of council staff, Mullingar Tidy Towns, Waterways Ireland, businesses and resident groups in preparing the town for judging. “Mullingar looks great at the moment,” he said.

He noted that the town has been shortlisted among the final four locations in the Tidiest Town in Ireland competition, alongside Galway, Lisburn and Antrim, and final results are due to be announced later this month in Belfast.

The councillor also expressed hope that Mullingar could build on last year’s silver medal performance in the Tidy Towns competition and continue its progress in the IBAL rankings.

While welcoming the improvements, he said additional streets should be considered for future floral displays. “Some of the streets feel that they’re being left out, and they want to be included,” he said.

The proposal received support from councillors across the chamber.

Cllr Julie McCourt praised the council workers responsible for planting and maintaining the displays, while Cllr Ken Glynn said the town’s success in reaching the latter stages of national competitions reflected the efforts of council staff, volunteers and community groups.

“The fact that we’re even in the running is a huge kudos to the council, to the district, to Mullingar Tidy Towns and everybody involved,” he said.

Cllr Mick Dollard also commended the work carried out across the town, particularly during April and May, but urged a small number of business owners to improve the presentation of their properties.

He noted that council staff had visited businesses to promote available shopfront enhancement grants and encouraged greater participation in the scheme.

Ms Goldsberry said the council had found businesses generally supportive and reminded owners that the Shopfront Enhancement Scheme remains open throughout the year.

The District Office indicated that additional locations for floral displays can be examined as part of planning for the 2027 programme.