New Dunville amenity will include a playground, all weather pitch, teen hang out zone and a small coffee shop

An "all encompassing community centre" is planned for Farganstown, Navan, councillors were told last week.

The community centre will include community rooms, changing rooms, a basketball court, two outdoor playing pitches and three five a side pitches.

The news came as councillors expressed disappointment that there are no plans for a community centre at a new amenity area planned for Dunville.

Councillors received a presentation on plans for the Dunville amenity, which will include a playground, all weather pitch, teen hang out zone and a small coffee shop, at last week's meeting of Navan Municipal Council.

Councillors had expressed their disappointment that the Dunville proposals did not include a community centre and concern that the proposed facility at Farganstown had no timeline.

Director of Services, Martin Murray explained that there are currently 98 homes under construction by Fitzwilliam Group at Farganstown, which is part of a planning permission for 320 houses, a creche, retail hub and community centre.

"The planning condition requires the developer to deliver the community centre before they can proceed with the remaining houses.

"It is the intention of Meath County Council to take ownership of that on its completion and hand that over to a management company that would run that on behalf of Meath County Council.

"That is where we feel we can achieve the best community centre."

Mr Murray pointed out that as part of the Johnstown Public Realm works the old Mrs Butterly's building would be available to the community.

He said there was not a requirement for a third community facility in this area of Navan.

As regards the Dunville plans he said they achieved a lot of other objectives. "The community centre aspect is achieved in other locations."

The plans for Dunville include a playground, all weather pitch, teen hang out zone and a small coffee shop

The four acre site also includes an extensive lawn area with a circular walking track, a table tennis area, a teen zone with social seating, a biodiversity area and sensory garden.

The proposals include a circular building with a hangover canopy, which would house a small coffee shop, with sheltered seating outside.

Cllr Alan Lawes welcomed the Dunville plans but said the big missing aspect was the community centre.

"A community centre is what we need most," he said.

Cllr Emer Tóibín said while the plans looked great, a community centre was "the elephant in the room".

"It is what people calling for, for years. Different community groups are looking for rooms for sports and activities for young kids. There is a shortage of community space in Navan and it is terrible that when we have such a great opportunity to do this that we leave out a community centre.

"I know there are plans for a community centre in Farganstown but I don't know how set in stone they are," she said.

Cllr Yemi Adenuga said the playground looked absolutely fantastic. "I didn't think could fit so much into that space".

She noted the flexible open space which can host events and asked if additional toilets could be provided there.

Cllr Eddie Fennessy what Johnstown needed more than anything else is a community hub. "A building offering the wide range of services and recreational amenities the multitude of local groups have to offer. It was disappointing not to have a building included on the council’s plan. However, what the council propose to develop on that site is pretty impressive and I’m sure the local community will put it to great use.”

Cllr Francis Deane said the area needed a community centre and these would be provided with the revamp of old Johnstown and at Farganstown.

Cllr John Duffy said the plans for Dunville were fantastic and Farganstown was the ideal place for a community centre.

The Mayor, Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons welcomed the project.

"It is a great opportunity for Johnstown and people of the area. The level of lighting will be key. The brighter it is and the safer it is, the better," he said.