Anger as all signs lead to

IT SEEMS all roads in the midlands lead to the multi-million euro Center Parcs holiday resort.

That’s according to irate politicians in Westmeath, who claim tourists are being diverted from Mullingar to neighbouring Longford by road signs erected ‘overnight’.

As a result, instead of enjoying the delights of such local attractions as historic Belvedere House or pedalling along the town’s recently opened greenway, visitors are heading straight to Ballymahon without ever catching a glimpse of whatever Mullingar has to offer.

Local Councillor John Shaw explains: ‘People are travelling through Mullingar and Westmeath and we are delighted about that. There are so many signs for Center Parcs around Mullingar coming from Dublin. With satnav people know where Center Parcs is… I don’t think they need signs on every second roundabout in Mullingar. I think they over-egged it. I think it’s more branding than directional. Local businesses would struggle to get signs up and they want to be allowed to advertise their business.’

The Mullingar politician’s Fianna Fáil colleague on Westmeath County Council, Ken Glynn, said: ‘I suppose it was the speed they went up with, whereas when local businesses want to put up a sign it’s nearly impossible.

‘We have the greenway in Mullingar along the old railway which goes as far as Athlone and there’s a sign for Center Parcs at the entrance to the greenway. It seems you have to jump through hoops to get a local guy to get a sign up whereas with a bigger fish it’s “we’ll look after you”.’

Center Parcs opened earlier this year and the company refused to comment about the number and position of roadside signs leading to the resort located among 400 acres of woodland near Ballymahon, Co. Longford.