Councillors to vote on film studio later today

Local councillors will vote later today on whether to give the go-ahead for the construction of one of Europe's film studios on the outskirts of Mullingar.

At the September monthly meeting of the local authority this afternoon, 15 of Westmeath's 20 councillors will have to vote in favour of a material contravention of the county development plan to change the zoning of the 25 acre site in Lough Sheever Corporate Park where Hammerlake Studios intends to build a 460,000 square feet film studio campus.

Speaking on Midlands 103 this morning, Cllr Hazel Smyth, Mayor of Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District, said that Hammerlake's decision to locate the studio in Mullingar is an “excellent opportunity for the town” and she does not believe that any of her colleagues will oppose the project going ahead.

“It's going to be a major boost for the town, county and the midlands. Fifty million euros will be invested into the town every year. It really is an amazing opportunity.”

Cllr Smyth also noted that when operational, Hammerlake's studio will be the most sustainable in Europe.

“Mullingar is already the music capital of Ireland this would make us the film and music capital,” she said.