Westmeath county board has been granted full planning permission to construct a new stand at Cusack Park.

And Westmeath chairman Sean Sheridan has expressed the hope that the €3.5 million stand will be ready to host games within two years after no objections were received within the four weeks allotted for such submissions after outline planning permission was granted.

Currently, the covered capacity at the Mullingar venue is just 800, but the new structure will provide covered accommodation for 3,000. The project will see the demolition of the present roof, press box and seating, as well as the construction of new dressing rooms, a new first floor for meetings and offices. There will also be a new lift, pitch access tunnels and toilets constructed.

Westmeath will now make a presentation to Central Council to apply for a€2.2 million low-interest loan. They also hope to secure funding from Leinster Council and the Government, and are planning a major golf classic fundraiser.

"No clubs will be asked for any levies and we won't be putting Westmeath GAA into debt," Sheridan stressed. Tweet

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