Update on progress of regional sports centre | Westmeath Examiner

Designers for the two elements of the regional sports complex in Mullingar are expected to be appointed this year. Cllr Aoife Davitt sought an update on the planned development at Blackhall and Robinstown at the March meeting of the Mullingar Kinnegad Mun...

Designers for the two elements of the regional sports complex in Mullingar are expected to be appointed this year. Cllr Aoife Davitt sought an update on the planned development at Blackhall and Robinstown at the March meeting of the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District.

Last November, the council approved plans for the €70m regional sports centre and swimming pool. The proposal comprises two distinct multi-sport facilities at Blackhall and Robinstown. The development at Blackhall will include an eight-lane 25m swimming pool with spectator seating, a 20m teaching pool and splash pad. It will also have a 12-badminton court, three basketball courts, multi-use sports hall, gym, studios, meeting rooms and changing rooms.

The site at Robinstown will include three all-purpose, all-weather pitches, four paddle courts, an outdoor basketball court, a walking trail and a playground. It will also include a pavilion building comprising three dedicated indoor training spaces, changing rooms, toilets and ancillary facilities.

Cllr Davitt asked for “details on where we’re going”: “Is there anything we need to do in relation to those plans?”

Cllr Davitt was told the WCC Regeneration Section has been advised that tender documents are being prepared to procure multidisciplinary teams for the detailed design to take the two projects (MRSC Blackhall and MRSC Robinstown) to shovel ready status. The design teams are expected to be appointed in the third quarter of 2026 and an 18 month design period including site investigation, and procurement of contractors could commence thereafter, subject to funding and approvals.

Director of service, Deirdre Reilly, said Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) targeted to deliver sustainable development could expedite the process: “Just this week there was an announcement under URDF funding. Obviously we’ll be trying to capitalise on that in relation to the centres,” she said. “We’re always looking left and right for funding towards this major project.”