Equestrian centre applies for planning for tourism cabins

Mullingar Equestrian Centre has applied for planning permission for self-catering chalet style accommodation at its site on the Ballymahon Road.

The application submitted on July 4 includes details for the construction of five chalet/cabin units "to facilitate the accommodation demands of visiting tourists".

In the planning statement included with the application, the project's design team said that it is "the intention of the Mullingar Equestrian Centre is to sustainably develop and diversify its leisure, competition, and tourism functions in a manner that proactively responds to national and sectoral trends and priorities".

The statement added that not only will the provision of accommodation "support the on-going long term business strategy of the Mullingar Equestrian Centre"; Mullingar and the wider midlands region "lacks adequate tourism accommodation stock".

"...The intention of the proposed development is to encourage visitors to stay in the Mullingar area, bringing with them a range of benefits to the local daytime and evening economy and raising the national and international profile of Mullingar and Co Westmeath as a tourist destination.

"There are many positive effects for the local economy, as guests of the Mullingar Equestrian Centre will spend money in shops, garages, bars and restaurants, and additional jobs are hoped to be created as cleaners, housekeepers and grooms will be required to service the needs of the guests and their horses.

"Sustainable, demand-led tourist accommodation of this type can help achieve social objectives of supporting rural and regional economies, serve an informal space for business, sporting, or community organisations, and generally contribute to the regeneration and vitality of the local rural area."

The decision due date for the application is August 28.