Housing Minister visits Flowerhill ahead of regeneration project

The Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien visited Flowerhill on Monday to get an on the ground update of progress on the plans for the planned regeneration of the area.

The multi million euro revamp of Flowerhill took another important step last week with the completion of public consultation ending last Friday.

Earlier this year, nearly €8m in urban regeneration funding was allocated to Meath County Council for the project and a draft design plan from the Paul Hogarth company has now been developed.

This identifies the main areas that need to be addressed in the regeneration ranging from the complete reconstruction of the street scape, construction of housing units, development of community facilities and a riverbank walk linking Flowerhill to Blackwater Park.

Touring the area with Minister O’Brien and Senator Cassells were Mayor of Navan Padraig Fitzsimons, Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Sean Drew and local Navan councillor, Tommy Reilly.

They showed the Minister the main areas of dereliction which the study had identified and discussed the draft design document with him.

Speaking afterwards Minister O’Brien spoke of the need for action on the plan to happen quickly. “I was delighted to allocate nearly €8m towards this project and it is great to see the draft design plan being developed so quickly,” remarked Minister O’Brien.

Senator Cassells reaffirmed that point stating that what is crucial now “is that all the partners in this plan pull together so that we can see this traditional area of Navan be brought back to life and become a vibrant street again.”

Minister O’Brien also took time to view Blackwater Park where further enhancements are planned and the ongoing street improvement works on Ludlow Street.