The ribbon cutting of the new Johnstown community facility was caretaker Robin Slater, Cllr Eddie Fennessy, Niall Duffy (Tuath) and Community Garda Fiona Kerr.

First community facility opens in Johnstown

A NEW community facility was officially opened in Johnstown recently by the Tuath Housing Association.

The Metges Road Community Room is the first community facility in the Johnstown area.

Made possible through the generosity of developer Grandbrind, who gifted this space to Tuath Housing, this shared amenity is intended for use by residents of nearby Knightsbrook, Dunville House and Metges Road.

The new community room has been fitted to high standards with overhead projectors, flat screen televisions and a children’s play area alongside a large adjustable seating and workspace to comfortably fit 40 people.

Mayor of Navan, Cllr Eddie Fennessy officially opened the space at Metges Road, alongside Tuath Housing Manager, Niall Duffy. Cllr Fennessy noted the space “is a much needed amenity for a large and growing number of residents in the Johnstown area.”

Meath County Council was also thanked for their continued partnership with Tuath Housing in delivering homes in Johnstown and the larger Navan area.

Residents who attended enjoyed a children’s entertainer, face-painting and further fun and games.

Navan Community Garda Fiona Kerr, also attended the event, speaking to residents about her role in the area, while a representative from Community Education and Training Coordinator with Louth Meath Education and Training Board highlighted the range of academic and hobby-based courses available to residents.

Cllr Fennessy said: "I was honoured to attend the official opening of the community room in Johnstown last week. I thank Tuath Housing for providing this space. The Johnstown community has been starved of community infrastructure for too long. This space will benefit the local residents and wider community for many years to come. It is most welcome indeed."

Tuath Housing invites Tuath residents in nearby Dunville, Metges Road and Knightsbrook areas, alongside interested community, state and voluntary/charitable organisations operating in the Meath area, to contact the Tuath Tenant Engagement Team for any additional information or interest they may have for the Metges Road Community Room via getinvolved@tuathhousing.ie.

Separately, a planning application for a housing development in Farganstown, which was submitted earlier this year included the provision of a creche, community centre and sports hall sports hall, ancillary changing rooms, community rooms and ancillary administration/office space rooms, as part of the application.