The draft Local Area Plan for Ardmore/ Marlinstown has been hailed as an important development for Mullingar and the county by local councillors.
“This constitutes a blueprint for the next 15 years. My only regret is that we didn’t have this four or five years ago,” said Cllr Mick Dollard, speaking at this week’s meeting of Westmeath County Council.
“The plan actively encourages inward investment into Mullingar, and encompasses the idea of a business park. It comprises two sites for schools, a national and a secondary school, and Mullingar Community College has shown interest in relocating. There is also a planned neighbourhood facility.
“The plan is not all about residential development; there are also linear parks and vacant space. A number of ring forts in the area will be preserved. Robinstown was a huge success and this site east of Mullingar is prime for development. This has been a much sought-after plan, and I would like to thank the council’s planning section.”
Also welcoming the plan, Cllr Jim Bourke said it had been difficult to put the Area Plan for Ardmore/ Marlinstown together as a lot of the land was already built on, and the people already living in the area had to be facilitated. However he was “very satisfied” with the plan.
“The plan has been successful in locating and developing sites for schools and putting a lovely walk along the canal. There are also a number of acres of parkland that won’t be spoilt. I am very optimistic that this plan will work for the town, and this is a very opportune time for it,” he commented.
A total of eight submissions were received by Westmeath County Council during the period of public consultation for the draft plan.
The National Roads Authority, while commending the plan on the integrated approach to land use, commented that consideration should be given to the impact of the plan on access onto the N52 and that a transport and traffic assessment and road safety audit be included in the plan.
