Annabel's parents planning 'unique' activity centre in her memory

The parents of a local three year old who tragically passed away six years ago want to develop a children's activity centre in her memory.

Little Annabel Loughlin passed away in 2018 following an accident at her home in Delvin. In a bid to honour the memory of their daughter, her parents, former Westmeath hurler Enda Loughlin and his wife Eileen, have applied for planning permission to construct an educational play centre called Annabel's Adventure Land on family owned land in Knockdrin.

According to the planning application submitted recently, the centre will include a pet farm, an outdoor play area, an astroturf area, a fairy walk, a coffee shop and sensory rooms.

In a letter submitted on behalf of the Loughlins as part of the application, architects O'Halloran and Rooney outlined the project's potential.

“With Eileen engaged in the teaching profession and Enda in farming and construction they sought a means by combining their expert fields in creating a development for children with numerous activities for play and learning”.

“By creating this development they not only preserve Annabel's memory but provide an amenity and facility not only to the locality of Mullingar but much further beyond.

“...The proposal for this children's activity centre or facility provides a means by which children can 'learn through play', while also enjoying a memorable day with family and friends.”

The letter also states that the project intends to avail of EU Just Transition Funding under the Regeneration Tourism and Placemaking Scheme.

“The idea and concept for the development is unique and no other similar development exists in the general Mullingar/Westmeath area.

“The design we believe is a satisfactory solution in accommodating the proposed idea and a fine example of how 'farm diversity' can be best employed.

“It should serve as a much welcomed amenity to the area and enable Eileen and Enda to exercise their expertise in order to provide a children's activity facility which is quite unique, while also enabling Eileen and Enda an opportunity to preserve the memory of their daughter Annabel in such a fine manner to the benefit of many other children,” the letter states.

The decision due date for the application is November 16.