Community centre plans on view

Full details on the long-awaited new community centre and amenity park to serve the coastal communities of Laytown and Bettystown have been revealed, with the plans now on public display.

An impressive 2,000 sqm community building will be a focal point of the six acre site with the community park to include ball courts, BMX track, skate park and play areas.

The East Meath area, which saw massive development during the Celtic Tiger years has been crying out for facilities for two decades, with a community centre being high on the wish list. While the plans are being welcomed, it is subject to funding so there is no definitive timescale as yet.

The community building and amenity park will be developed on a site just off the Tara Road close to the local schools. Planning for local authorities' own developments is by way of what is called a part eight planning application and this has recently been submitted. Plans will be on public display until 6th June and submissions can be made up to 19th June.

The plans include a 2,000 sqm community building with cafe, community rooms, full size multi-functional basketball court, stores, reception area, public toilets, changing facilities, outdoor seating and 27 car parking spaces.

The public recreational area will have gathering areas, park benches and picnic tables and a pump track, skate park and dirt loop track for BMX and bikes and a learn to cycle area. There will be play area pockets with normal play equipment and natural play trails. A pickleball and two padel courts are also included along with an area with table tennis tables.

There will be native planting with local seaside feel and plans include an open lawn, community orchard and outdoor classroom area. Timber bridges are proposed at the entrances to provide access over existing ditches.