The Castlepollard Town Team, in partnership with Westmeath County Council, officially launched the Castlepollard Town Centre First Plan – a strategic framework designed to guide the sustainable regeneration, economic development, and long-term vitality of Castlepollard on Saturday, 2nd May in Castlepollard Town Centre.

Developed in alignment with the National Town Centre First policy supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG) and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH), this plan places the town centre at the core of future investment, planning, and decision-making.

The Castlepollard Town Centre First Plan is the result of extensive analysis, stakeholder collaboration, and meaningful community engagement, ensuring that the priorities and aspirations of local residents shape Castlepollard’s future direction.

Speaking at the launch, Donie Cassidy, MC for the day, welcomed everyone to the official launch stating that the Castlepollard Town Team was set up in 2024. One of the objectives of the Town Team was to support and develop Castlepollard Town Centre.

Various community projects were identified and five of these projects have been put forward for funding. The overall report was put together by Jason McCormack of Westmeath County Council and students from Queen’s University in Belfast, and Donie thanked them and everyone involved in the Town Plan for their great work over the past year.

Chairman of the Castlepollard Town Team, Alfie Devine, then spoke. Alfie thanked the various members of the Town Team, 24 in total, that worked so hard on the Town Team Plan. He also thanked Jason McCormack and Annette Barr Jordan of Westmeath County Council for their great work.

“It wasn’t easy but we had representatives from every group in Castlepollard on the Town Team. They were a fantastic group of people who came up with great ideas and they worked hard in the background along with Westmeath County Council, getting infrastructure and businesses back up and running.

“There are also major development plans for the Town Hall and those plans have gone out to tender, with over €2m set aside for this development and we are really looking forward to the Town Hall being developed, it will be one of the biggest projects in Castlepollard for many years. We can’t forget the fantastic Town Park that we now have in Castlepollard too,” said Alfie.

IMPORTANT DAY FOR POLLARD

Jason McCormack of Westmeath County Council thanked everyone who put their time and effort into the Town Plan. He said:

“This is a very important day for Castlepollard, and it was a privilege to work closely with many people from Castlepollard. This plan came together not in offices but on the streets, in the halls and in the hotel, in workshops, surveys and conversations as we discussed in depth how the town of Castlepollard works. This is where change starts. The information is all in your plan and I am delighted to share this big day with you,” he said.

Annette Barr Jordan, of Westmeath County Council and Town Regeneration Officer said:

“It is truly uplifting to see such a great crowd here, to recognise how far you have come and to celebrate such an important event. This launch shows that your plan matters. At the heart of this launch is a simple but powerful idea. When people come together, great things happen and this plan recognises that your streets and the square are not just physical. Local pride is strongly represented here today. It is clear that there is a deep love of Castlepollard, its people and its future.

“People of all ages have been involved, students, business people, nature groups, sports clubs, volunteers — young and old giving their time and passion.

“What makes this so special is not just a plan, a project or a document, it is the confidence and ambition that sits behind it, identity, heritage and potential. This plan will make your town more welcoming and more sustainable for generations to come.

“This launch is not the end point, but the beginning for Castlepollard. It signals a new life, a shared community, supporting local business and ensuring your town is a place where people want to meet, work and live and celebrate. Thanks to everyone who has played their part in getting us where we stand today. Your efforts are visible and they matter.”

This launch belongs to the people of Castlepollard. This is your voice and your achievement. You should be very proud of this plan, and move forward with a confidence and a shared purpose,” said Annette.

Finally Donie Cassidy concluded the launch by thanking everyone involved from the professionals in Westmeath County Council to all the groups, volunteers and members of the Town Team that made this possible.

PLAN WELCOMED

Castlepollard Local Development also welcomed the official launch of the Town Centre First Plan.

Stephen O’Brien, Chair of Castlepollard Local Development, and former founding chair of Castlepollard Town Team said:

“Having worked hard to bring the Government’s Town Centre First programme to Castlepollard and be first in Westmeath we were piped to that honour by Moate.

“Nonetheless we gave every effort to promote its launch and hosted an evening with Ciaran Mullooly, now an MEP, to engage public support and generate ideas for Castlepollard’s future.

“We participated fully in the process of formation of the Town Team, helping to write the Constitution and filling two seats at said group. For myself, I had the honour of being the first Chairman of what should be a formidable community forum for Castlepollard into the future. Many of our members took part in the various in-person events such as the Walkability Study and Town Centre surveys providing data, feedback and opinion which was used to write the plan.”

“Echoing Annette Barr Jordan’s comments at the launch, we at Castlepollard Local Development believe the Plan now published should not be viewed as the end of the process but rather as a significant milestone event, one that points the way forward for the town of Castlepollard.

“The hard work begins now, and it will require focus, patience and a level of professionalism from across the voluntary community groups in Castlepollard represented in the Town Team to achieve it,” Stephen concluded.

You can view the plan here.