Bannon welcomes use of Mullingar Barracks by Westmeath GAA

Fine Gael Longford/Westmeath Deputy, James Bannon, has welcomed the agreement signed this week between the Department of Defence and the Westmeath GAA County Board which will allow the sporting organisation use of the former military barracks in Mullingar.

“This agreement, which sees a one year lease being granted to the Westmeath County Board for Mullingar Barracks, will be warmly welcomed by everyone in the town and county. The closure of the barracks was a cause of concern for many in Mullingar at the time but news that it is to be used in this way will be well received by the local community and sporting enthusiasts alike.

“It is important that facilities such as Mullingar Barracks are used to best advantage for local towns and villages. It is the Government’s intention that surplus properties should be disposed in a way that will benefit local communities and that objective has been achieved in the case of Mullingar.

“The barracks will be used as a centre of excellence for the development of Gaelic games in the county and it is hoped that this agreement will lead to further development of the facility in the future. The barracks is very well placed for the purpose intended, given it proximity to the town and it will provide an excellent training ground for our sportsmen and women. I have no doubt that this move will have a positive effect on the town and I commend all those involved in the negation process for their hard work and efforts in coming to an agreement.”