Local councilors will vote later today on whether to green light the construction of one of Europe’s film studios on the outskirts of Mullingar.
At the local authority’s monthly September meeting this afternoon, 15 of Westmeath’s 20 councilors will have to vote in favor of a material breach of the county’s development plan to re-zone the 25-acre site in the park of Lough Sheever where Hammerlake Studios intends to build a 460,000 square foot film studio campus.
Speaking on Midlands 103 this morning, Cllr Hazel Smyth, Mayor of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad, said Hammerlake’s decision to locate the studio in Mullingar is a “great opportunity for the town” and she doesn’t think that none of his colleagues will oppose the project ahead.
“This is going to be a major boost for the city, the county and the Midlands. Fifty million euros will be invested in the city each year. It really is an amazing opportunity.
Cllr Smyth also noted that when operational, the Hammerlake studio will be the most sustainable in Europe.
“Mullingar is already the music capital of Ireland, that would make us the film and music capital,” she said.
