Plan for fishing village close to Mullingar

A new fishing village is being planned near Mullingar, Co Westmeath

A new fishing village is being planned near Mullingar, Co Westmeath. Outline planning permission has been sought for the development of the village at Butlers Bridge, 200 metres from the shore of Lough Ennel and on the banks of Lacy's Canal.

If granted, the development would include 26 timber-clad holiday homes, fishing tackle and boat hire shops, coffee rooms, storage and maintenance facilities for boats, a harbour, public amenity space and a car-park.

The new village, which would cover 11 acres, would be about 11/2 miles from Mullingar on the Kilbeggan road.

The plan is the brainchild of local farmer Mr Ed Burke. "It was in my head for the last three or four years. I live near Lough Ennel, my land is adjoining it, so I thought it would be an ideal spot."

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He saw similar developments in the US but hasn't seen anything in Ireland to compare with it.

Work on the village could start in a year if the project was approved, said Mr John Greene, an architect with O'Reilly Stuart Associates, the developer's architects. "There are a lot of amenities close by such as equine centres, a golf club and hotel. It should attract tourists from at home and abroad."

Lough Ennel is renowned for its brown trout.

Mr Norman Black, senior tourism officer with East Coast and Midlands Tourism, said the agency would welcome all additional facilities for fishermen and holiday-makers in the Mullingar area. "But it would have to be in harmony with the environment. It's very important that we balance tourism demands with the environment."