Meath to receive €1.4m under Town and Village Renewal Scheme
Meath projects are to benefit from €1.4 million in funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme with the largest allocation of €500,000 going to Drumconrath for the development of a civic plaza and community space at the site of the former Doyles Garage, with the adjacent house to be developed as a cafe with business rooms upstairs.
Ráth Chairn is to receive €300,000 for the refurbishment of its community centre, ensuring it remains a modern, accessible hub at the heart of village life, while Rathkenny has also been awarded €297,756 to upgrade its existing community hall, supporting local events, activities and social connection.
Duleek has secured €300,000 to develop a linear river walk, enhancing local amenities while improving connectivity and promoting outdoor recreation.
Both Moynalty and Kilmessan have each been awarded €50,000 to assist with the completion of Part eight planning applications. These projects will support the transformation of the former National School in Moynalty and the former St Mary’s Church in Kilmessan, bringing much-loved historic buildings back into meaningful community use.
The funding has been welcomed by Kells councillor Sarah Reilly who described it as a major vote of confidence in local communities and the volunteers who work tirelessly on their behalf.
She said the funding will deliver real and lasting benefits across the county and said the funding is a reflection of the “fantastic work being done by community organisations on the ground.”
“These awards recognise the dedication, vision and persistence of local groups who give so much of their time to improve their areas,” she said. “Time and again, particularly across the Kells Municipal District, communities have shown what can be achieved when people work together with pride and purpose.”
Cllr Reilly thanked all those involved in preparing applications and driving projects forward, noting that their efforts help ensure that towns and villages across Meath remain places “we are proud to call home.”
Cllr Eugene Cassidy also welcomed the funding allocations.
He said: "I was delighted to work with this wonderful committee in Rathkeny putting this application together for town and village. They are the heartbeat of Rathkenny and do so much great work for their parish. The community centre is the centre of everything that happens in Rathkenny but needed a major upgrading to make it fit for purpose for today's needs. This €300,000 will help to do just that and I look forward to changes it will bring to the community centre."
He also welcomed funding for Drumconrath saying: "This is great news for the derelict site where the old garage use to be. 500k has been secured to turn this in to a new amenity area which will include a coffee shop, business hub, village plaza, amenity park with landscaping and a seating area.
"For far too long this was an eyesore in Drumconrath that affected the whole look of the village. That is going to change in the years ahead. This funding will transform the whole appearance of the village and will have a positive effect on the area. I want to thank Meath County Council for believing in this project and seeing it through to where it is today. I am looking forward to working with the Council in seeing it through to fruition. "