Mullingar retains Purple Flag accreditation for third time

Mullingar is officially celebrating today after the announcement from Mullingar Chamber and Westmeath Council that they have been awarded the Purple Flag accreditation for its evening and night-time economy (ENTE) for the third time.

October is Purple Flag Month and Mullingar Chamber are encouraging businesses to get involved in any way they can to show their support for the town’s Purple Flag. All events and activities will be promoted on Mullingar.ie social media accounts and organisers can email details to office@mullingarchamber.ie.

The chamber encourage the use of purple – a drink, a food, a window dressing, lights, balloons, or a discount offer or deal name.

Mullingar is one of only 15 locations in Ireland and one of one eight towns to have received the Purple Flag accreditation in 2021.

The Purple Flag is an accreditation similar to the Blue Flag award for beaches, indicating an entertaining, diverse, well-managed and enjoyable night out which aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres between 5pm and 5am.

Aisling Coleman, office manager, Mullingar Chamber, said: "We are proud to have retained our Purple Flag status for another year – it is a reflection of the strength of ongoing partnerships and engagement activities with stakeholders.

"We want to thank our committee members who have given up their time for the Purple Flag, Mark Brindley, The Planning Partnership; Sarah Jane Foster, SJF Productions; Dec Murphy, Daly’s Bar; Ruth Illingworth, author and president of Westmeath Historical and Archaeological Society, Cllr Hazel Smyth; and Sgt Roger Nicolson. We look forward to ensuring that Mullingar is a safe place where people can enjoy our vibrant evening and night time environment."

The mayor of Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District, Cllr Aoife Davitt, welcomed the award and congratulated the Chamber of Commerce and the businesses that worked with council support to promote Mullingar as a safe and attractive evening and night time destination.

To find out more about the Purple Flag and the #AskAngela Campaign visit mullingarchamber.ie/2021/09/mullingar-purple-flag.