Funding of €700k for Johnstown

The campaign for community facilities in Johnstown has received a massive boost with news that Meath County Council is to spend €700,000 on community facilities in the area over the next four years .

Cllr Sinead Burke explained that a sum of €700,000 has been allocated for Johnstown in the council's draft capital budget which is due to come before Meath County Council on Monday.

'In the context of Johnstown, the council has shown a very firm statement of intent. They are now taking the need for substantial community facilities in the Johnstown area seriously. Huge credit must go to all the residents and organisations in the Johnstown area who have maintained their campaign to get a better deal for their area,' said Cllr Burke.

'This is the first time we have seen a clear line on the council's budget and capital plans for the area. It is up to everyone now to work together to come up with a clever, practical but imaginative way to get the maximum benefit from this money. This is not a huge budget. The likehihood is that land will have to be purchased but it is an excellent start and that's the way I am viewing it.

'If more money is needed along the way, I think through this recognition we have the leverage to secure what else might be needed.'

The €700,000 sum being proposed includes the current fund aside for the area.