Bettystown locals frustrated with the lack of progress in developing community amenities

East Meath has been “forgotten” according to residents who say that a five-acre site bought by Meath Co Council and earmarked for sports facilities has been left “covered in overgrowth” with no signs of development.

The local authority purchased the land near the Tara Rd last year but one year on the site remains “inaccessible to the public” and locals say they are frustrated with the lack of progress in relation to developing community amenities.

“In correspondence with public representatives and local sports clubs the council have been at pains to point out that the completion of their flagship library (estimated to cost in excess of €6million) at the entrance to the beach in Bettystown is their priority,” said Michael Gibbons co-chair of Cilles Athletic Club.

Mr Gibbons says he is concerned that there is a lack of ambition and urgency within the council and decision makers.

“East Meath is one of the fasting growing areas in the country but the infrastructure to support a happy and healthy community is years behind,” he said.

“Levies are collected on new builds and property tax on existing ones but their is no evidence that any of these revenues are making their way back to East Meath.

Thousands of students from local schools have to travel to access facilities when they should have use of land laying idle on their doorstep according to the community activist who said:

“At the moment the 2,500 students on the Educational Campus have to be bused to access playing pitches even though there is a readily available solution in plain site from their respective school yards.

“These children as well as the wider community need facilities now not in 6-8 years time as has been suggested by the council based on the library timescale.”

Mr Gibbons says there are an array of clubs in the area who are desperately in need of a home and not putting the development of this land as a priority is “letting down” local youngsters.

“If it was a shared facility many local community and sports groups could avail of its use including the three soccer clubs in the area, EMU, Laytown United and Donnycarney Celtic.

“There is a local scouts club that is looking for facilities also.”

Action needs to be taken urgently to ensure future generations have these vital amenities at hand.

“They need to get on with the job at hand, clear the site, put down temporary surfaces and let the community get on with using it,” added Mr Gibbons.

Meath Co Council has previously stated that the site needs to be surveyed followed by a detailed analysis and public consultation process.

Meath Co Council has been contacted for comment.