Action group welcomes news that contract for design of pool has gone out to tender

The news that the contract for the design and planning of a new pool and regional sports centre for Mullingar has gone out to tender is a small but welcome step, the vice chair of the Mullingar Pool Action Group (MPAG) has said.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, Robert Keane said that the action group "strongly welcomes the news that the project has been put out to tender".

"Momentum is building for the delivery of a new swimming pool and sports complex for Mullingar, with many stakeholders, such as Westmeath County Council, Swim Ireland and ourselves, working together on it.

"We are working hard but it is worth mentioning the help we have received from our local politicians, and Deputy Robert Troy, in particular, has been a huge help. We also have to thank Westmeath County Council for working with us. I suppose we have to be a bit patient now because we are now at the start of a process as the project is going out to tender, and we look forward to working with the council to bring the project to fruition."

Mr Keane says that the wider public are behind the action group’s campaign and it is a regular topic of conversation with people.

"I work in town and over the last year, people have been coming up to inquire what is happening. While the staff in the current pool do an amazing job, it is not an unreasonable expectation for Mullingar to have a fit for purpose pool and sports complex," he said.

Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy has also welcomed "significant" progress on the plans for the Mullingar regional sports complex.

The Longford Westmeath TD confirmed that the tender for an architect-led integrated design team for the sports complex, which will include a large swimming pool, was uploaded on the government’s e-tender website at the weekend. The closing date for the receipt of tenders is August 17, 2023.

"I’m delighted to confirm significant progress has been made in the planning of the Mullingar Regional Sports Complex," Deputy Troy said.

"The council are now moving ahead with preparatory work to be ready to avail of the next round of large-scale sports capital funding."

Deputy Troy added that plans for the sports centre have been discussed for years but they have been accelerated in recent months following the efforts of a group of parents who formed a swimming action group (the Mullingar Pool Action Group).

"I will endeavour to assist them in any way I can to ensure the sports centre comes to fruition," said Deputy Troy.