Council buys Slane ‘sister’ house to be a village arts and community facility

One of the four iconic 'sister houses' on the Square in Slane is to be bought by Meath County Council to provide an arts and community facility for the village.

An agreement has been reached for the purchase of Clonkeenan Stud, a period house and lands on the South Eastern side of Slane Square, formerly owned by the Late Miss Susan Traill.

Cllr Wayne Harding said he is delighted to announce this agreement.

“This purchase has come about following representations by myself and Pat Doyle. We produced a plan and made a comprehensive proposal to The Meath CEO, Mr Kieran Kehoe, Area Manager MS Fiona Lawless and Director of Transport and Assets Management, Mr Martin Murray who were all very supportive.”

Cllr Harding emphasised that the formalities remain to be concluded. “When the plan is implemented, this property will be a massive amenity for the community and visitors to Slane and the Boyne Valley.

“This is a game changer for Slane and the Boyne Valley and will truly benefit many existing and future generations.

“It will complement the other imminent plans for Slane - the Slane Bypass, the Public Realm Enhancement Scheme and Boyne Greenway.”

“A major plan will have to be drawn up for the house and the lands, which will which will make a wonderful community garden and park.”

He also said it is a great vote of confidence and support for Slane and the Boyne Valley by Meath County Executive.

Pat Doyle said: “The park will provide a haven of tranquility for locals of all ages and visitors alike and will make Slane a better place to live and rear families” .

“It will attract and retain many more visitors thereby enhancing the local economy. It dovetails with and recognises the efforts of the many proactive community groups who have delivered so many projects and activities.”

He explained that there are 8.3 acres of lands, 1.8 of which will be for parking and the remainder would be a community garden/ heritage park. “There are outhouses which could be converted into craft units and the house itself would be a visitor centre.”

Finally, he commented that it will be a “very fitting memorial” to the serene lady, the late Miss Susan Traill, the previous owner.”

Cllr Harding and Mr Doyle both thanked local Auctioneer Mr Lev Mitchel whose efforts were key to this important transaction.

The 18th century, three storey over basement property is set on 8.2 acres and is a Grade 1 Listed Building of high importance.

The purchase comes just a year after the state paid €11million to buy the nearby former Devinish lands at Dowth to create a new national park.

The land is an internationally recognised research farm, set within the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site.