The planned €20 million Robinstown sports and leisure complex took a step closer to completion this week when councillors approved the part 8 planning process for the facility.
The two-storey development is to incorporate a 25 metre, six-lane swimming pool and a children’s leisure pool; a health suite comprising sauna, steam room, and spa; and a regional sports arena equivalent in size to three basketball courts. This arena could be divided into three separate halls for training and coaching purposes.
The complex will also contain a fitness gym; exercise areas for aerobics, boxing, and spinning; as well as an all-weather floodlit pitch, two turf training pitches, and four all weather five-a-side pitches. A children’s play centre and playground facility will also be provided.
The site of the complex is 19 acres of land in the townland of Robinstown, on former agricultural lands just over one kilometre northeast of the town centre.
Athlone’s Cllr Mark Cooney was the first to welcome the news at Monday’s meeting of Westmeath County Council, complimenting county manager Dan McLoughlin on his vision. “This will be of particular benefit to Mullingar, but also as a county we should be proud of the efforts of the local authority. I look forward to seeing this come to fruition,” he said.
Cllr Jim Bourke added that the facility would benefit all of north Westmeath.
Cllr Mick Dollard said that the plans gave a clear indication to the people of Westmeath of the commitment of the council to the ongoing development of the county; “This will be a major attribute for Mullingar and will act as a magnet to attract people who might not otherwise visit.”
