Deerpark Community Hub officially opens

The Deerpark Community Hub in Carlanstown was officially opened by Meath County Council Chief Executive Jackie Maguire, last Friday. This new development, undertaken by Carlanstown Kilbeg Community Development (CKCD), with the support of grant aid from the LEADER programme, has two multipurpose rooms, a community office and a fully fitted kitchen.

The need for a community facility was first identified ten years ago during a public consultation process which culminated in the development of a community plan. The CKCD community group was successful in securing a lease agreement from Meath County Council for a 20 acre site on the Deerpark Lands, a former commonage or cow plot which was in public ownership and zoned for community use.

CKCD then commenced a fundraising drive in conjunction with St Michaels GFC to develop the park. The committee of the former Group Water Scheme donated their residual funds of €40,000 and two major fundraising initiatives in the form of Strictly come Dancing and Lip Sync were widely supported by the local community.

Having raised the necessary matching funding, CKCD applied for grant aid under the LEADER programme and was successful in securing a grant of €300,000.

The building which was designed by Niall Smith Architects in Kingscourt, is filled with light and takes full advantage of the views over the park. Rodney Brady Contracting Ltd undertook the build and brought it in on time and on budget.

The ‘Hub’ as it is referred to locally, is now registered on the national Connected Hubs platform. The installation of fibre optic cable ensures a strong internet connection making the Hub an attractive place for remote working, for the delivery of training courses and for business meetings. It is also available for hire for recreation, leisure and sport activities and for hire for private events and functions such as christenings, children’s parties, Comhaltas music and dance events.

In addition to this new facility, other projects undertaken to date in the Deerpark include the installation of a 1.6km perimeter walkway which facilitated the establishment of Deerpark parkrun Carlanstown, and a children’s play space. The community park has also been enhanced by the planting of hundreds of trees, park benches, picnic tables and a bespoke hand crafted footbridge improving the visitor experience.

Philip Moran Chair CKCD CLG has acknowledged the support of the local community in making the project a reality. “This development has been made possible by the efforts of many, those who raised and contributed funds, the LEADER team in Meath Partnership who provided advice, guidance and support and the Meath Local Community Development Committee who approved the LEADER grant.

"I also want to acknowledge the efforts of our own committee members who worked tirelessly to make this project a reality and the support of Meath County Council who have supported us by extending the footpath infrastructure out to the Community Park and recently installed public lighting along the route.”