Community house handed over to people of Ashbourne

One of the first obvious benefits of an agreement between Meath County Council and Ashbourne and District Community Council was unveiled at the weekend when the county council handed over a community house to the local committee. Independent county councillor Joe Bonner, whose election to the county council came about as a result of a dispute between the county council and the local community over local facilities, received the keys of the house from Jenny D"Arcy, the leas-cathaoirleach of Meath County Council. The property was part of a deal which saw the council hand over €1 million towards the provision of a new community centre at Deerpark and the community house at 42 Broadmeadow Castle which opened last week. Cllr Bonner said it was a badly needed facility to host meetings for local groups and organisations. It also houses consultation rooms for the local St Vincent de Paul. 'In 1999, when the major developments around Ashbourne were being proposed, I became acutely aware of the lack of community facilities and of the fact that the existing facilities were no longer adequate in meeting the needs of the expanding population,' Cllr Bonner said. 'It was the struggle for additional community facilities which first brought me into politics a little over five years ago,' he said. 'It was the objective to secure community facilities which motivated me then, and continues to motivate me to remain in political life. Today sees the fulfilment, to a not inconsiderable degree, of that objective.' He said the opening of the building was a victory for the community in Ashbourne. 'It sees a fine facility which will be made available to community organisations that need to operate in such a central location. 'The opening of this community building is a win-win situation for both the community and the local authority,' he added. Further, it forms part of an agreement which sees €1 million provided for the development of the community centre.' Mr Bonner thanked all in the area who helped secure the premises. He explained that the community council was now examining the bigger picture regarding the community centre, and would be looking at ways to progress the development of the 13.5 acres site involved, and would be holding consultation with the community on this. The €1 million in funding was ringfenced for that, he added.