Westmeath equestrian centre signals intention to carry out major tourism accommodation expansion
Mullingar Equestrian Centre has outlined plans to extend its range of facilities by adding a number of self-catering tourism accommodation units to its extensive campus.
A county Westmeath equestrian centre has lodged plans to add a series of high-class tourism accommodation living quarters to its sprawling campus.
Mullingar Equestrian Centre tabled proposals with Westmeath County Council to develop self-catering, chalet accommodation along the Ballymahon Road, Rathcolman in Mullingar.
The plans provide for five chalet or cabin style units to create overnight accommodation, totalling an overall floor space of 425sq m.
Representatives from the family run facility state the rationale behind its planned extension is rooted in a desire to facilitate the accommodation demands of visiting tourists to the area.
The plans also provide for visitor parking as well as 20 cycling bays that the local leisure operator says will be accessed from an existing and proposed improved access point for vehicles.
In a planning statement accompanying its submission, Mullingar Equestrian Centre said the motive for its prospective modernisation is to remain not only sustainable, but to meet the needs of an ever changing society.
“The intention of the Mullingar Equestrian Centre is to sustainably develop and diversify its leisure, competition, and tourism functions in a manner that proactively responds to national and sectoral trends and priorities,” a statement read.
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In a further insight into how the planned tourism accommodation might boost not only its own footfall, but those of the surrounding area, the local equestrian facility said the investment correlated to both the Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 and the County Westmeath Tourism Strategy 2023-2027.
“The reality is that the Midland region lacks adequate tourism accommodation stock and the expenditure of €68m in EU Just Transition Funding by Fáilte Ireland on tourism initiatives between 2023-2026 can only work if there is an adequate supply of accommodation,” the planning statement added.
“Being specifically related to the well-established equestrian facility in a rural location, the provision of overnight accommodation will support the ongoing long-term business strategy of the Mullingar Equestrian Centre.”
A final decision on the plans is expected to be made by the end of August.
