Proposal for blue plaques on historic buildings in town

A proposal to erect blue plaques on historically significant buildings across Mullingar was raised at the February meeting of the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District.

Cllr Emily Wallace suggested that the plaques could highlight the rich architectural and cultural heritage of buildings in the town, potentially expanding to smaller towns and villages at a later stage.

In a written response, the district said the heritage officer had advised that, as the structures in question were likely to be protected, a plan-led approach with associated funding would be required. It was noted that a policy would need to be developed by the conservation officer, with input from the tourism officer and the heritage officer, and the project would be subject to funding.

Cllr Wallace said she understood there were 23 buildings in Mullingar worthy of blue plaques, describing the proposal as having educational value for both residents and visitors. She suggested that historian Ruth Illingworth could advise on suitable locations.

Cllr David Jones supported the proposal.

Director of services Deirdre Reilly said that while the motion focused on Mullingar, any such initiative would require a countywide strategy and should be plan-led. She suggested the matter would be best considered by the council’s Planning Strategic Policy Committee (SPC).

Ms Reilly indicated that she was open to the idea. “I have seen them throughout Ireland and it would be great to be connected with that network, so it is definitely something worth considering and I think we should hand it over to the SPC for their deliberations,” she said.