'New amenities will bring a smile to the youth in Ashbourne'

Cllr Amanda Smith, Cathaoirleach, Ashbourne MND

As cathaoirleach of the Ashbourne Municipal Council, I am looking forward to seeing the area thrive and improve in the year ahead.

The new Ashbourne skatepark, the playground for Stamullen, new cemetery and making the most of our coastline are among the important projects for the year ahead.

Roads of course, are a very big priority - I hope to see road repairs and gritting continue throughout the New Year and look forward to the proposed improvements to the N2.

One of my top priorities is the new playground for Stamullen, which should go ahead next year and which is very badly needed.

The lovely new skatepark in Ashbourne is another project I look forward to in the New Year. Youngsters in the town set up a committee some time ago and handed a petition, signed by 180 people, to councillors, calling for a skate park. It is in a very central area, with the new footbridge ensuring links to the skate park from the various estates in the town. The Ashbourne teenagers will be delighted.

At long last, after many years of campaigning, we will have a new cemetery in Stamullen. It is very badly needed as the old graveyard is full and people have had to go outside their area to bury their loved ones.

We will also see the completion of the new path to the Redwood facility in Stamullen.

We have a beautiful beach in Gormanston and I would like to see it used more as a local amenity and as a visitor attraction.

One of my priorities is to have the water quality monitored, as I would like to see it 'designated' as a bathing amenity.

One thing we need more of throughout the Municipal District is community facilities - this became very evident during Covid and I hope we can see what can be done in this regard in the new year.

Finally, I wish you all a very happy, successful and peaceful New Year.