Councillors keen for talks on museum option for Church Avenue building

Local elected representatives must have a say in the future of the building on Church Avenue that was formerly a library, but that Westmeath County Council is now trying to sell, Cllr Mick Dollard told officials at the council’s July monthly meeting.

Launched last month was a petition calling to have the building designated as a museum for Mullingar, and Cllr Dollard stated that it has been gaining some traction.

However, councillors had been informed by council officials that efforts are under way to find a buyer for the property, but Cllr Dollard’s view was that there needed to be some discussion on the future of the building before a decision is made.

Cllr Dollard stated that he was in favour of a museum for Mullingar – as are other councillors. “But we have been advised that there’s no suitable property or premises,” he said.

Cllr Dollard wanted councillors to get the chance to express their views on the Church Avenue property, bearing in mind, he said, that they would be the ones making the decision on the future of the building, there could be some “conflict” if the executive is in talks with the private sector or some other agency.

Cllr Ken Glynn said he supports the calls to have a proper museum provided in Mullingar, one that would highlight the various aspects of the town’s history, be it military, music or sporting.

He said that while there was great support out there for provision of a museum, it would also require significant government backing. His suggestion was that the chief executive explore the option with government to see if provision of a museum could be moved forward.

Cllr Julie McCourt was also keen to see all options discussed before any decisions were made to sell the building at Church Avenue.

Responding, chief executive, Barry Kehoe, said the council had been exploring the possibility of transferring the Church Avenue building to another public sector body that might use it and deliver services in it.

That hadn’t, however, worked out: “So we have been exploring other options in terms of the private sector being involved in some way.”

He said the building would require extensive investment to be fit for purpose: “It is an old building and has to be brought up to modern standards,” Mr Kehoe said.

Referring to the petition, he said there is a need to do something to celebrate the strong musical and military heritage of the town. “But we need to address it in a really sustainable and affordable way,” he said.