Call for path sweeper and horticultural support for Mullingar

Mullingar could get a dedicated path sweeper and additional horticultural support under proposals aimed at maintaining the town’s appearance as its population grows.

Cllr Bill Collentine brought two motions before the October meeting of Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District, asking Westmeath County Council to consider hiring a horticulturist to advise on planting and green spaces, and to consider purchasing a small mechanical sweeper for footpaths and public areas.

The council said a horticulturist position was already based at Belvedere House Gardens and Park, and Richard Dooner is available to advise the district when required. Any additional staffing would depend on identified needs, funding and future workforce planning.

Cllr Collentine said he wanted to ensure the town continued to use appropriate plants and maintain its flower beds at the right times of year.

“We want to keep Mullingar looking good, so we want to keep ahead of the posse and have the right proper flowers, proper time of the year and proper flower beds and all that,” he said.

Cllr David Jones suggested that, if another horticulturist were employed at Belvedere, they might dedicate one day a week to supporting communities across the district, particularly with pollinator-friendly planting schemes.

Cllr Emily Wallace also highlighted opportunities for Belvedere to work with Tidy Towns groups on sourcing plants and using their greenhouse facilities to reduce costs.

Council official Mary Goldsberry confirmed that succession planting was already being undertaken at Belvedere to support Mullingar Tidy Towns, and another tunnel was being developed.

The council response to the second motion confirmed that two mechanical street sweepers were already operating throughout the district, but that consideration could be given to a smaller machine, subject to funding and resources.

Cllr Collentine stressed that the proposal was about maintaining standards rather than addressing a cleanliness problem. He said Mullingar had recently reached the quarter-finals of a competition to identify Ireland’s cleanest town.

The larger sweepers were not suited to every task, he said, and a smaller machine capable of cleaning footpaths and their edges would help the council stay ahead as the town’s population increased.

“We must keep ahead on cleanliness in the town,” he said, adding that he wanted to see a more positive commitment to providing the equipment.

Cllr Ken Glynn backed the proposals, praising the partnership between Mullingar Tidy Towns and the council, while Cllr Andrew Duncan and Cllr Julie McCourt commended the work of the volunteers.

Cllr Jones also supported the smaller sweeper, pointing to walk-behind machines used in Dublin that can sweep and wash footpaths simultaneously.

Director of services Deirdre Reilly said the district engineer would assess the costs and available types of machinery. The council would then consider whether purchasing a machine or renting one through the machinery yard would be more appropriate.

She said the proposal would be considered as part of the current budget discussions.