Cllrs see draft plan for new Laytown centre
A DRAFT proposal for a preliminary design of the long-awaited Laytown Community Centre was presented to members of the Laytown–Bettystown Municipal District (MD) at their January meeting, marking a key milestone in the progression of the project.
Meath County Council officials outlined early design concepts for the proposed community facility, which is planned for lands at Tara Road as part of the wider Laytown community park development. The presentation focused on the overall scale of the building, potential internal layouts, and how the centre could meet the diverse needs of the rapidly growing local population.
Under the draft proposal, the community centre would include indoor sports facilities such as basketball and badminton courts, two large multi-functional rooms, a café overlooking the new playground, changing facilities and storage rooms, a staff meeting room, and additional adaptable spaces on the first floor.
During discussions, local representatives strongly emphasised the importance of full accessibility, pressing council officials to ensure that fully accessible changing facilities are incorporated into the final design. Councillors noted that modern community buildings must cater for people of all abilities and ages, particularly those involved in sport and recreation, and that inclusive facilities are essential if the centre is to serve the whole community.
Several councillors pointed out that the absence of a dedicated indoor community facility has been a long-standing issue locally, with clubs and voluntary groups often forced to rely on temporary or unsuitable venues.
Council officials confirmed that the project is now moving toward the formal planning stage, with a Part 8 planning proposal scheduled to be brought before the Laytown–Bettystown MD at its February meeting. If approved, the Part 8 process will allow the project to proceed to public consultation, a step councillors described as crucial.
- Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme