Locals to see draft of Julianstown plan

The final draft of the Julianstown Village Design Statement will be presented to local residents tomorrow (Thursday) in the Gallops Bar at 7.30pm. The process for the Village Design Statement - a plan for the future of Julianstown - is nearing an end and, in advance of its official launch in August, the Village Design Statement sub-group and the Julianstown and District Residents' Association are presenting the final draft of the plan to locals this week. "It has been a real labour of love for all those involved in the Village Design Statement (VDS), and something which has really brought the community together," said residents' chairperson, Emer Dolphin. "We are really looking forward to having a concrete plan put together which can feed into the review of the Local Area Plan for east Meath. We hope as many as possible can come to hear and comment on the final draft and and also join us for a social evening, as we have quite a few things to celebrate," she said. The residents' association has recently formed a limited company and changed its title to The Julianstown and District Community Association (JDCA). The thinking behind the name change is to introduce a friendlier and more community-based spirit to the area. The legal company and new name will also make it easier for the village to access grants and funding to support the implementation of projects in the Village Design Statement. To coincide with the name change, Julianstown residents have also launched a new website, www.julianstowncommunity.com. This online tool will assist all viewers with everything they may need to know about the area. Designed by local artist, Gillian Quinlan, the site contains a history of the village, interesting things to do or see and details on how you can get involved with the JDCA. "We really wanted a tool that could be used by the local community, something they could go to for church times, clubs to join, interesting places to see and visit and we will also be doing up a directory for local businesses," said JDCA PRO, Alma Delany. "We will be approaching all businesses in the area and will ask for a donation to be listed. In return, they will not only get a listing on our new website but also a link from our site to theirs - and in a time when most people use the internet to search for services and products, this facility will prove invaluable for e-marketing strategies and search engine optimisation," she said.