€22 million allocation for six Meath regeneration projects

Over €22 million has been allocated to six regeneration projects in Meath, including €7.2m for the pedestrianisation of Trimgate Street in Navan.

€7.5m will go towards the Laytown–Bettystown Community Building and Amenity Park and €7.5m will be spent on the Ratoath Civic Centre under the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund.

The allocations also include €150,000 for the Old Spicers Mill project in Navan; €150,000 for the regeneration of Railway Street in Navan and €150,000 for the Water Activity and Castle Connects project in Trim.

Minister Thomas Byrne has welcomed the announcement.

“This is an exceptionally positive announcement for County Meath, with almost €22.7 million being made available for projects that will revitalise our towns and provide valuable new facilities for local communities.

“I particularly welcome the two major investments of €7.5 million for the Laytown Bettystown Community Building and Amenity Park and €7.5 million for the Ratoath Civic Centre.

“These are two rapidly growing communities which need and deserve high-quality civic, recreational and community facilities. Both projects have the potential to make a real and lasting difference to the lives of local people.

“The significant investment in Navan, our county town, is also extremely welcome.

“This funding demonstrates this Government’s commitment to strengthening communities and unlocking the potential of towns throughout Meath.

“Working hard in Government, we are delivering real results for County Meath. These are tangible investments that will improve public spaces, strengthen community life and make our towns better places in which to live, work and visit.

“I commend Meath County Council and all the community organisations and local stakeholders whose work helped bring these projects to this important stage. I will continue working to ensure that they are progressed and delivered as quickly as possible.”

Cllr Eddie Fennessy said Navan has lots to welcome in the government’s regeneration funding announcement. "Of particular interest is the Old Spicer’s Mill allocation. Plans to develop a tourist office, bike rental facility, café and a band stand will transform what is a derelict eyesore, into a very important gateway to Navan, particularly when the Boyne Blueway gets up and running. We’ve been waiting for news on that project for quite a while, it is great to see movement at last.

“Railway Street and the surrounding area is very important to the long-term development of Navan, its culture and heritage. I welcome the €150,000 allocation and I look forward to watching Navan’s Cultural Quarter develop further over the coming years.

“A regeneration of Trimgate Street is long overdue. €7.2 million is a decent budget to have at the council’s disposal. It will completely transform the street scape through footpath and street lighting improvements making the area safe and accessible for all and that is to be welcomed."

Deputy Gillian Toole described the funding as "great news for Meath towns".

"The Ratoath civic centre site on the main street has been awarded €7.5m towards development costs. It is a significant amount of funding for a town that developed rapidly 30 years ago, with facilities provided in the main, by community and voluntary group fundraising projects, supplemented by smaller council/ government grants. The civic centre site has planning approved for a community building, to include library, meeting rooms, Garda accommodation, Age Friendly housing and much needed parking spaces. The details including tender, contracts and commencement dates are yet to be worked out. Laytown- Bettystown communities will also see the realisation of more community facilities too. I express my gratitude to Minister James Browne and Department officials, Meath County Council Regeneration team members and especially the Ratoath, Laytown- Bettystown residents who made meaningful contributions to the public consultation process and whose taxes and commercial rates ultimately fund these projects.

"Matching funding by Meath County Council will be required but development levies over 30 years should be available to cover the investment in the Ratoath, Laytown-Bettystown & hinterlands communities," said Deputy Toole," she said.

Cllr Nick Killian said he was delighted with the news. "This is a good news day for Ratoath. I am really pleased. This will bring the construction of a new library, small park and car parking facilities closer to reality, It will provide much needed facilities for the town. Funding has also been approved for 14 age friendly homes at the site," he said.