Community facility hopes for Laytown receive boost

Plans for a potential new community centre on the Tara Road lands in Laytown were discussed at the latest meeting of the Laytown–Bettystown Municipal District, where councillors considered what kind of facility could best serve the growing local community and how it might be funded.

Council Engineer Pat Shore told members that the local authority was exploring opportunities to develop a flexible, multi-purpose community building on the site, with the possibility of applying for support through the next round of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), expected before the end of the year.

“If we had planning for something on that space, it could be suitable for a funding application,” he said. “So today is about what kind of building might go there, and what the community would want or need from it.”

He said the goal was to design a building that could be adapted for a wide range of local activities and future needs. “It doesn’t have to look like any specific example the important thing is that it’s flexible and adaptable,” he said.

Fine Gael Cllr Sharon Tolan said extensive consultation had already been carried out with local sports and community groups to assess demand and identify gaps in available facilities.

“Many clubs are bursting at the seams and need a permanent, affordable space,” Cllr Tolan said. “Rent is through the roof. Some clubs have no home at all, and others have a summer base but nowhere to go in winter.”

Independent Cllr Carol Lennon said her vision was for a facility that would serve all sections of the community, with practical features such as small storage units for clubs and public toilets accessible from the adjoining park.

“My vision is a place where everyone can come together,” she said. “At the moment, equipment is stored in schools or rented facilities, which isn’t ideal. Clubs could rent small storage units here instead of paying high commercial rents. It’s practical and doable.”

Sinn Féin Cllr Maria White said it was vital that the design considered the needs of teenagers.

“Youth in our area don’t have many spaces,” she said. “They don’t want to be going back into school buildings for activities they want somewhere neutral that isn’t associated with school.”

She added that a community café-style area could make the building more welcoming. “It would be lovely to have a café element a space that’s open, relaxed and inclusive. If we’re starting from a blank canvas, we should dream big.”

The local authority engineer said he hoped to engage a designer shortly to develop layout options, with draft proposals to be brought back to councillors soon.