Petition calls to have former library turned into museum
Moves are under way to have Westmeath County Council consider using the large former library and tax offices premises on Church Avenue to create the long-called-for museum for Mullingar.
The building is largely empty since 2009, and the council is in the throes of an attempt to sell it, but local historian Jason McKevitt has launched a petition calling on the council to retain the structure and commit to its transformation into a dedicated museum for the town.
He has set up a change.org petition, currently at close to 150 signatures, and is hoping to get at least 200 people to sign it.
“I have been calling and lobbying for such a facility for years and received empty promises so far. Now is the time for our local representatives and Westmeath County Council to make a real difference,” he told the Westmeath Examiner this week.
There’s a certain sense of urgency to the petition, as at the May meeting of Westmeath County Council, it was revealed that the authority is in negotiations within a potential buyer. A previous potential purchaser had pulled out of talks,
Mr McKevitt said he is firmly of the view that a museum/heritage centre would bring a strong dividend for the town.
“Mullingar has a rich and vibrant history that deserves to be preserved, celebrated, and made accessible to future generations,” he says.
“From its cultural traditions and local industries to its global cultural impact, our town’s story is both unique and deeply valuable.”
Citing the town’s musical heritage, he said the achievements of its internationally recognised musicians such as Joe Dolan and Niall Horan have brought worldwide recognition to Mullingar. “Their legacy, alongside that of many other local figures, deserves a permanent and fitting home where it can inspire residents and visitors alike.”
Cllr Julie McCourt, has also called on the council to examine the possibility of establishing a permanent museum at the Church Avenue site, stating that the building presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a lasting cultural and educational asset for the town.
“Mullingar has a story worth telling. From music and culture to military history, industry and community life, our town has made an enormous contribution to Ireland’s story.
“We are rightly proud of internationally recognised figures such as Joe Dolan and Niall Horan, but Mullingar is about far more than famous names. A museum on Church Avenue would provide future generations, our diaspora and visitors with an opportunity to learn about the people, events and traditions that shaped our town.
The Sinn Féin councillor said that at present, artefacts, archives and historical collections relating to Mullingar are scattered across different locations, and many items are in storage.
“These pieces of our history deserve to be displayed and celebrated as part of showcasing our local heritage.
“Once a publicly owned building is sold, that opportunity is gone forever. We must carefully consider what future generations might lose if we fail to act now.”
Cllr McCourt said that council executives have a responsibility to think beyond immediate financial returns.
“The question should not be ‘What can we sell this building for?’ but rather ‘What legacy can we create with it?’,” she said.