Westmeath GAA bosses have tabled plans for a multi-million euro centre of excellence in Mullingar.

The near 50 acre site, just off the town’s Robinstown Road, provides for the establishment of six full-size GAA pitches including one all-weather pitch, a community gymnasium, physiotherapy and state of the art sports health suites.

The scale of the plans and overall campus will have the capacity to cater for 335 cars and 10 coaches with 5,310 sq m being dedicated to changing and player support facilities.

A 210 seated spectator area, alongside a dining and hospitality space are likewise incorporated into the design brief.

In a planning statement, consultants on behalf of Westmeath GAA said the development came on the back of the county’s “sustained population growth” over recent decades to meet the sporting requirements of the county for generations to come.

“As the population of Mullingar continues to grow, corresponding investment in sporting infrastructure is required to support the recreational and community needs of existing and future residents,” read the statement.

“Across the country, clubs and county boards are experiencing overcrowded pitches, congested training schedules, limited access to suitable facilities and increasing demands on volunteers.”

The 68-page report similarly outlined how the need for a dedicated GAA development centre on lands beside the midlands town’s St Loman’s Hospital were also hastened by the GAA’s own internal document ‘No One Shouted Stop – Until Now’.

“Across the country, clubs and county boards are experiencing overcrowded pitches, congested training schedules, limited access to suitable facilities and increasing demands on volunteers,” local planners were told.

“The report concludes that these infrastructure deficits can adversely affect player development, participation and long-term retention.”

The plans, which are down for decision by the end of October also include over 1,029 sq m for a community and civic assembly space together with an active travel link from the Delvin Road adjacent St Loman’s GAA grounds.