The completed Castlepollard Village Enhancement Project, which cost in the region of €700,000, was officially launched on Monday this week.
Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Cllr Mick Dollard, Coole area councillors, county manager Daniel McLoughlin, council staff, and local dignitaries turned out to officially launch the new-look town centre, which has taken four years to complete.
The works, which commenced in 2006, include the undergrounding of all phone and ESB cables, new kerbs and paving for footpaths, the upgrade of water services, the installation of new street lighting, and the erection of new signage, including village name signs on all approach roads.
Cllr Frank McDermott said he was delighted the scheme was complete after so many years in the pipeline.
“It is a tremendous job, it looks impeccable. People are very pleased,” said the Fore-based councillor.
“The footpaths have been done, and there has been a huge improvement in car parking. The lighting is lovely and signage has been upgraded. The town is a lot better for all businesses now, with people able to park and wheelchair parking also available.”
Cllr McDermott added that he was pleased all the work had been carried out by Westmeath County Council staff, and that the full amount for the works had been allocated over the years.
“The works started in 2006 and a certain amount was budgeted each year. Each village in the Coole area got a certain amount for enhancement works, and Castlepollard was lucky to get the full quota. We are lucky so much work has been done, and that it was done by this year. It is probably the last investment we will see for a while!” he added.
The project is part of the council’s Village Enhancement Programme, which was initiated to enhance the aesthetic presentation of the county’s towns and villages, to improve the quality of life of the residents and visitors, and to promote tourism.
The works in Castlepollard were funded by Westmeath County Council under the Village Enhancement Scheme, which has also benefited the streetscapes of other villages including Multyfarnham and Rochfortbridge.
