The completed Multyfarnham Village Enhancement Project was launched on Monday this week by cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Cllr Joe Whelan, in the presence of Mullingar area members, county manager Danny McLoughlin, members of staff of Westmeath County Council, local dignitaries, and representatives of the local development and tidy towns committees.
The project works, commenced in 2008 and recently completed, included the undergrounding of all overhead ESB Networks cables and Eircom cables; and the upgrade of the Group Water Scheme watermain, water service connections to individual properties, and surface water drainage to roads and footpaths.
Road resurfacing was also carried out, along with the provision of new kerbs and paving to footpaths and the installation of street signage.
New trees were planted on the main street, and new signage, which included village name signs on all approach roads, was erected as part of the works. As part of the Mullingar Cycle Hub, Multyfarnham was also provided with bicycle racks, a map board, and signage.
The project is part of the Westmeath County Council Village Enhancement Programme which was adopted by the elected members of the council in 2007. The programme was initiated by the county manager in order to minimise disruption and increase value for money, to enhance the aesthetic presentation of the towns and villages of the county, to improve the quality of life of the residents and visitors, and to promote tourism.
The total cost of the works in Multyfarnham was approximately €650,000. Funding was sourced through grants and schemes from Westmeath County Council (74 per cent ), the Department of Transport (16 per cent ), the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (6 per cent ), the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (CLÁR ) (3 per cent ), Foras na Gaeilge, and Fáilte Ireland.
