Funding hopes grow for Dunshaughlin's regeneration plan

Fresh hopes have been raised that Dunshaughlin's ambitious vision for its future could soon move a step closer to reality after the Minister for Rural and Community Development indicated the town's newly launched Town Centre First Plan will strengthen its bid for Government regeneration funding.

The issue was raised in the Dáil by Meath East Sinn Féin TD Darren O'Rourke, who welcomed the publication of the comprehensive Town Centre First Plan but said Government funding must now follow if the community's vision is to be delivered.

Launched last month following extensive consultation with local residents, businesses and community groups, the Town Centre First Plan sets out a long-term blueprint for the development of Dunshaughlin.

Among its proposals are the regeneration of the historic courthouse as a cultural and community hub, the creation of a new civic plaza, improved public spaces and streetscapes, enhanced walking and cycling links, new recreational amenities, better transport connections, measures to ease congestion and projects celebrating the town's heritage.

Many of those proposals are expected to rely on funding through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), with applications for the latest round closing on 27 July.

Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy O'Rourke praised the work of the Dunshaughlin Town Team and the level of community engagement that shaped the plan.

"The level of commitment, interest and ambition from the local community is there in absolute spades," he said.

"People from all different backgrounds, from those who are new to Dunshaughlin to those who have been there a lifetime, contributed to this. The vision is now on paper, but the question everyone is asking is: when will the funding come to make it happen?"

Responding, Minister Dara Calleary said his department was engaging closely with Meath County Council regarding a number of projects, including an application under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.

He confirmed he was aware of the Dunshaughlin proposal and that Meath County Council regarded it as a priority.

The Minister said department officials are due to engage with the local authority ahead of the application deadline and indicated the Town Centre First Plan would significantly strengthen the submission.

"The only thing I will say is the Town Centre First Plan will considerably accentuate the application and strengthen it," he told the Dáil.

Deputy O'Rourke said there was a strong feeling within the community that Dunshaughlin had previously missed opportunities to secure RRDF funding and that expectations were now high for the latest application.

"Everyone who contributed to the Town Centre First Plan and everyone who wants to see investment and progress in Dunshaughlin will be eager to see a positive outcome," he said.

He said he and local Sinn Féin councillor Fionnan Blake would continue making the strongest possible case to both Meath County Council and the Minister that the application should succeed.

During the exchange, Deputy O'Rourke also called for a more joined-up approach to Government investment, arguing that regeneration funding, active travel projects and other public investment programmes should work together to help towns deliver their long-term plans.

"We need a joined-up approach that matches local ambition with accessible, deliverable funding," he said.

"The people of Dunshaughlin have done their part – now the Government must do theirs."

Minister Calleary said the Government is reviewing the Town Centre First policy and intends to look at how funding streams can be better aligned across departments.

He also referenced successful regeneration projects delivered elsewhere under the Town Centre First initiative, including the redevelopment of the Kells Printing Works, saying similar regeneration could be achieved in Dunshaughlin.