New house with garage and treatment system at Kilbillaghan, Fardrum

Residents in Fardrum near Athlone, Co Westmeath, will soon see a new house and associated infrastructure on Kilbillaghan after Westmeath County Council granted conditional approval for the project submitted by Eanna Gavin and Ciara Smyth.

The application, received on 29 April 2026, proposes the construction of a new dwelling together with a domestic garage. In addition to the residential building, the plans include a proprietary effluent treatment system complete with a polishing filter to manage wastewater from the site. A new road entrance is also part of the scheme, along with all ancillary works required to bring the property up to code.

Council documents list the project under reference 2660217 and note that the decision was made on 23 June 2026. The approval carries a “CONDITIONAL” status code, indicating that while the council has authorised the development, it will be subject to specific conditions that must be met before construction can commence. These conditions typically cover matters such as site drainage, access arrangements and compliance with local planning regulations, although the exact requirements are detailed in the council’s decision file.

The applicants have indicated that they intend to carry out all necessary site works to create a new entrance and ensure the property is fully accessible. The inclusion of an on‑site wastewater treatment system reflects growing emphasis on sustainable water management within rural developments across Westmeath.

With the conditional approval now in place, Gavin and Smyth can move forward with securing contractors and finalising detailed plans that satisfy the council’s conditions. Once those are met, construction should begin later this year, bringing a new family home to the Kilbillaghan area and contributing to the modest growth of the Athlone hinterland.

For further details, see the Westmeath County Council planning file (2660217).

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