Future for Springfield development unclear

Concerns have been raised regarding a construction site in the Springfield area of Mullingar where an apartment building remains unfinished since work halted two years ago, writes Regan Kelly.

Work on the site began in early 2022, after Westmeath County Council provided support to approved housing body, Clúid Housing, but there has been no building activity on the site in two years, and little information on what the future for it is.

Since construction halted, some nearby residents have been raising concerns regarding anti-social behaviour on the site.

Colm Newcombe, whose parents live next to the development, said: “Lately, there have been fires, and teenagers hanging around, as you can just walk in straight off the canal.

“There has even been open drug use on the site, and we have observed needles and paraphernalia there.”

Colm said something has to be done with the site. “It needs to be knocked; they could knock it and build some nice townhouses that fit in well with the rest of Springfield.

“Somebody needs to go down there and seal it up, so that teenagers can’t be going in there, because someone is going to get hurt.”

Cllr Mick Dollard echoed the concerns of residents: “I fully empathise with the people down there. They are angry, and they have every right to be angry.

“The people of Springfield Cottages have been badly let down by this situation. No community should have to put up with the likes of this; it’s a blight on the face of Springfield.”

The Westmeath Examiner contacted Westmeath County Council to establish what the current situation is with the development.

The council provided this statement: “Westmeath County Council gave support to Clúid Housing in support of a funding application under the Capital Assistance leasing Fund for a housing development at Springfield in Mullingar.

“The development of the site, which commenced construction in early 2022, is a matter for the Approved Housing Body and the developer.

“Westmeath County Council liaises with all Approved Housing Bodies in relation to their ongoing housing projects in Westmeath, and the Council has previously raised concerns with the AHB in relation to this site at a meeting of the Housing Strategic Policy Committee in July 2024.”

The Westmeath Examiner also sought comment from Clúid Housing. It stated: “Springfield Cottages is a privately owned site and Clúid has no contract to acquire it.”

The future of the site remains uncertain.