Huge number of submissions on new sports centre plan

Westmeath County Council has received some 630 submissions in support of a new regional sports centre for Mullingar.

According to the council’s website, 633 participants completed the online survey on what they feel should be included in the plans for the town’s long called for regional sports centre in Robinstown.

The survey is part of a wider Sports Needs Assessment, which will inform the final design of the facility. The council also recently held a two-day in-person consultation event in the Atrium at Áras An Chontae, which was well attended.

The level of engagement in the public consultation phase of the sports centre is unprecedented in recent years. To put it into context, last year the council received only 14 submissions on its draft climate action plan, while in 2021, 93 people completed the online survey on the provision of a new town bus service for Mullingar.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, chair of the Mullingar Pool Action Group (MPAG) Lisa Corcoran said that the high level of public engagement is both heartening and revealing.

“The MPAG are delighted with the huge response to the survey. We feel that the people of Mullingar are really excited about the development of a facility that will serve everyone in the community.

“As a group we look forward to continuing to work with Westmeath County Council, local politicians, sporting groups and members of the public to help bring this project to fruition.

“We’d like to thank everyone who took the time to complete the survey. The high number of responses reflects how much Mullingar needs a new sports centre.”

Robert Keane, the deputy chair of MPAG, says it’s important that the views of those who completed the survey are reflected in the design of the sports centre.

Praising the local clubs and groups whose members engaged in the process in such large numbers, as well as the staff of the current pool, Mr Keane said that the new sports centre has to meet the long term sporting and business needs of Mullingar.

He also said that with Westmeath GAA’s plans to develop a centre of excellence and Mullingar Shamrocks’ expansion project, the Robinstown area has the potential to become a sports hub of regional importance.

Deputy Robert Troy said that the high level of public engagement is a testament to the work that the MPAG committee has done since it was formed in 2022.

“Lest we forget, if it wasn’t for the MPAG, we wouldn’t be where we are today. They have driven the project to where we are – full credit to them.

“The council have responded in a positive fashion. They decided to progress the project. It is critical that the project continues to move at pace and that the submissions are assessed, and a proposal is drawn up that meets the expectations of the community.

“It’s important that the project is ready to avail of the next round of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF), which will open for applications later this year.

“Sport is an important aspect in people’s lives. We are lucky to have a host of vibrant sports clubs in Mullingar, from St Loman’s Mullingar Shamrocks, Oliver Plunkett’s, Mullingar Jets, the tennis club, the rugby club – to name just some.

“Sport has such an important role to play in our lives and the level of public engagement is a testament to that. It also reflects that Mullingar is a rapidly growing town and people want sporting facilities that will meet its needs, now and into the future.”

Describing the level of public engagement as “incredible”, Minister Peter Burke acknowledged the role of the MPAG. He also said that it vital that the current momentum is maintained.

“It is so important that the council move forward and get the report from the consultation phase done and get planning. The last thing that we want to happen is that LSSIF opens for applications and planning isn’t through. That has to be avoided at all costs.

“Mullingar is a growing town and it needs the infrastructure in place to support that. Young families can’t be expected to go to places like Tullamore to take their children swimming, and when that happens, the town is also losing business.

“The work of MPAG also shows the importance of public participation by community groups. It should never be underestimated.”