MPAG's three years of advocacy as pool project reaches key stage

Mullingar Pool Action Group (MPAG) celebrated their third anniversary recently, an anniversary that carries particular significance, as it follows the decision by Westmeath County Council to grant full Part 8 planning permission for the proposed new pool and sports complex.

The group have spent the three years highlighting the need and advocating for a new public swimming pool in Mullingar and they describe the planning milestone as extremely encouraging for Mullingar.

Speaking at their most recent meeting in the Greville Arms Hotel, chairperson Lisa Corcoran reflected on progress. “Obviously we are proud of the hard work that has been done and the progress achieved over the last three years,” she said. “Many people, all volunteers, have committed their time and energy to emphasising the need for a new swimming pool in Mullingar. There has been a high level of engagement with Westmeath County Council, local politicians, councillors and wider community.

“We have all been working towards the shared goal of getting to this stage. Although it is a pivotal step forward for this project, in some ways the real work only starts now.”

Vice-chairperson Robert Keane noted that priorities have evolved as the project advanced. “In many ways, the focus or strategy of our group has changed,” he said. “In the early years, it was about highlighting the obvious need and lobbying for a new swimming pool. A project of this size, cost and nature needs funding.

“Moving forward, our aim as a group is to ensure that, with full Part 8 planning in place, the full project comes to fruition. We have worked well with the county council and hope that will continue.”

Minister Robert Troy, a member of MPAG, added: “I want to thank the committee for the tremendous work they have done. They brought this project to the fore and ensured it was prioritised by Westmeath County Council. I’m glad to have worked with such a progressive and committed group, and I also want to acknowledge Minister Byrne, who, after meeting with the committee, allocated €2 million to allow preparatory work such as planning to proceed.

“Now that planning has been approved, we must ensure the project remains high on the agenda. All funding opportunities should be explored and fully leveraged to ensure this critical piece of infrastructure is delivered without delay.”