Sports complex, outdoor pool and tourism projects continue to gather pace
A series of major sport and tourism projects continue to move forward, councillors were told at their quarterly finance meeting.
Westmeath County Council director of finance Michael Hand’s report outlined progress on flagship developments, including the Mullingar regional sports complex, Athlone outdoor swimming pool and boardwalk, and refurbishment of Athlone Castle.
The report confirms that procurement of a multidisciplinary design team has begun for the long-awaited Mullingar sports complex following the award of €2 million in Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) funding towards the detailed design stage.
Funding applications have also been submitted under the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme and the EU Just Transition Fund for site-enabling and public realm works at Blackhall, with the aim of bringing the site to shovel-ready status. The report says the vision for the complex is to create "an exemplar in accessible sustainable buildings" capable of adapting to changing sporting and community needs for decades.
Progress is also being made on the proposed Athlone outdoor swimming pool and riverside boardwalk. The council have secured €561,803 in Just Transition funding to progress planning and design work on the ambitious waterfront project, which is intended to increase activity along the Shannon while supporting regeneration in the area.
According to the report, a location for the outdoor pool has now been selected, while the design of both the pool and boardwalk is "progressing well". A planning application is expected to be submitted during the current quarter. The report also notes that work has begun on redevelopment of Athlone Castle.
A contractor was appointed to deliver upgraded interpretation facilities and an enhanced visitor experience, and work commenced earlier this month. The project is intended to strengthen the role of the castle as a flagship attraction in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
The refurbishment is, however, having an impact on visitor income.
Figures contained in the finance report show income at Athlone Castle, Gallery and Artists Studios fell to €29,602 during the first six months of the year, compared with €183,929 during the same period in 2025.
The report attributes the sharp reduction to the ongoing closure of the castle while the capital improvement works are being carried out.
Mullingar Swimming Pool enjoyed another strong first half of the year, generating income of €411,322, up from €330,844 during the corresponding period in 2025. Belvedere House and Gardens recorded income of €237,279, while Athlone Marina generated €18,776.
Together, the projects represent some of the council’s most significant investments in sport, recreation and tourism, and several are expected to reach important milestones over the coming months.