'There’s a sense of celebration here in Kilmainhamwood'
Sunday was a historic day for the north Meath village of Kilmainhamwood as it welcomed government ministers from a number of departments for the official opening of the Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway and also for the opening of the village's first community centre facility.
Known locally as McMahons, the former pub and shop had been an eyesore in the village for decades but after obtaining funding under the Department of Rural and Community Development's Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the building has been transformed into a community centre with two meeting rooms and a digital hub to facilitate remote working upstairs.
Minister Heather Humphreys who officially opened the new community centre said: "There is very much a sense of celebration here in the Kilmainhamwood community as we officially open the community centre and we have just come from the opening of the Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway, which will be a fantastic outdoor asset stretching from Navan right up to Kingscourt."
She paid tribute to local Cllr Eugene Cassidy for his work on the project and recalled how he had brought her to Kilmainhamwood to see the building and told her that he was looking for money to do it up.
"It is a fantastic project and I know it has been made possible by the work of the local people and the local community here. You have spent years working towards delivering the project. I really want to thank you, the volunteers for all the work you do to make your community a better place in which to live, work, raise a family and to visit."
She also acknowledged work of KADA in bringing the project to fruition and also Minister Helen McEntee.
"This is in my constituency, but I can tell you she never took her eye off the ball when it came to Kilmainhamwood. She'd say what's happening there now, Heather? Are you looking after them? I know she is glad to have you back and I am sorry to lose you of course."
Kells Municipal District Cathaoirleach Paul McCabe said it was a great honour for him to join with the community all for the official opening of the new community centre which would be a focal point for the village.
"The project has transformed what was once an eyesore and will in time host various community events and provide an opportunity for remote working which will greatly enhance Kilmainhamwood to make it a more attractive place to live and to work and to socialise and will sustain the community into the future."
Kieran Kehoe Meath Co Council Chief Executive: "This is a hugely positive day for the Kilmainhamwood Community. I'm sure this new facility will be a busy hub of activity for a wide range of groups in the area. Meath Co Council has a huge ongoing commitment to investing in local communities and its fantastic to have successfully completed another vital infrastructure that will have a major impact on people's lives."
Robert McKinley, chairperson of KADA said the project had evolving over a long number of years and thanked Minister Humphreys and her department and Meath Co Council for their funding and support. He also said the building would be a valuable asset for the area into the future.