Ratoath gets 3.2 acres of lands for community use

Meath County Council has purchased 3.2 acres of land in the centre of Ratoath for community use.

The council intends to hold local consultation over the summer months where residents can have their say on what they'd like to see on the land, which is located across from SuperValu on the Dunshaughlin Road.

Among the proposals already put forward are a library, business hub, a one acre park, car parking and a small scheme of sheltered housing for elderly people and people with disabilities.

Last Tuesday, Meath County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Nick Killian was joined by the elected members of Ratoath Municipal District to receive a briefing from Director of Services Dara McGowan on the purchase of the lands in Ratoath and its intended use for the community.

Consultants will be appointed in the coming weeks to prepare a Town Centre plan for Ratoath which will include specific reference to the potential development of the site.

As part of this process, there will be a full public consultation which will assist the team to identify the most appropriate use of the lands, and will form the basis for future funding applications as part of the Urban Regeneration and Development Funding Scheme.

"It is up to everyone to have their say. As Cathaoirleach, I am delighted this is happening and I would like to thank Dara McGowan for all his efforts to secure the land and I would also thank the two families who sold the property.

"It was fortunate that two pieces of land, side by side became available and that Chief Executive, Jackie Maguire approve their purchase.

"Whatever happens, the land will provide much needed facilities for Ratoath. I have been lobbying for as long as I have been a councillor for land for community use.

"It is in an ideal location, right in the heart of the village. We can now proceed to develop the land. The consultation will help decide what will be developed and we can then go to the Department for funding - it is expected to cost around €15 million.

"It won't be a quick fix. It will take some years to develop it to provide what is needed for Ratoath, but it will provide much needed facilities for years to come."

Cllr Killian said he wanted to thank his fellow Ratoath Municipal District councillors for their support for the project.