Moynalvey community exploring potential of former radio mast lands

A feasibility study looking at the potential of how the former Radio Tara lands at Moynalvey could be put to community use is to be carried out by a local committee.

A steering group hosted a public meeting at Moynalvey GAA centre last week to explore the options available and to garner support for the idea.

Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, who was in touch with the company who owns the land, attended the meeting on Thursday night, as did local county councillors, Brian Fitzgerald and Caroline O'Reilly.

The lands surrounding the Radio Tara Mast, from which Atlantic 252 was broadcast, comprise some 60 acres, and are owned by a subsidiary of RTE. The minister reported that while the lands were not for sale at present, she would hope to create a position where the community was able to build up a relationship with the company and engage with them should such an eventuality arise.

Enda Quinn, who is spearheading the idea along with Martina Corcoran and John Gildea, said that the meeting was to seek an input from the local community as regards how the site at Clarkestown could be used for local requirements, as there was a need for facilities in the area.

He said that in a 10-mile radius of the site, there was a population of over 76,000, so there would be plenty of use for the site from sporting clubs and other associations, as there was a shortage of sporting and community facilities in the area.

Mr Quinn outlined the steps they had taken so far in their quest, sending letters to local ministers, Helen McEntee and Thomas Byrne, to Minister Catherine Martin, and the local municipal area council.

The council said it would support the efforts in whatever way it could, while Minister McEntee became actively involved with the group. The group also visited the community facilities such as the Deerpark Hub in Carlanstown and the Duleek Community Facility.

They also engaged with Meath Partnership, who advised them to establish a company limited by guarantee, set up the community meeting, and begin a feasibility study.

Ideas that could be looked at include a community centre, multi-purpose function area, sports pitches, astro-sports pitches, walking area, athletics area, creche, cafe and more.

John Gildea, who is chairperson of Moynalvey GFC, said that while the meeting was not solely about the GAA club, it was no secret that the club is bursting at the seams, growing at an enormous rate,and unable to expand. The club would back any initiative that grows from the meeting, he said, and encouraged buy-in from the community.

Martina Corcoran, who became involved through the local school parents' council, highlighted the lack of facilities for young and old around the area, from childcare to the elderly, as well as remote working hubs. People are having to travel further away to use facilities, or to offer classes and facilities, she said. She described it as “future-proofing Moynalvey”.

Ms Corcoran highlighted the community grants and funds available for such a project, and as a project manager, outlined the feasibility study process.

Cllr Fitzgerald, who was involved in the original campaign against the mast, recalled the planning and legal battle that took place, and didn't think he would be back 40 years later looking at how the site could be returned to the community.

“There was a terrible injustice done to the people in this area,” he said. “At the time there was all sorts of evidence given that there was a serious heath risk to people.

“I believe that because of that injustice imposed by a state body – we are owed a great deal more than the land is worth. And I hope there will be a Government decision – and it will take a Government decision, to say that those lands should be made available to the community for what has been foisted on them over the previous 40 years. There is no reason why that decision can't be made - it is State owned property, irrespective of what company runs it.”

He said the State Valuation Office should put a value on it, and then it could be explored what bodies could be approached for the purchase of the land, including Meath County Council if necessary. A debate took place at the meeting regarding possible use, with a questions and answers session.