New Year Messages: ‘The delivery of affordable housing, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and road safety is vital’

CATHAOIRLEACH - MEATH CO COUNCIL,

CLLR SHARON TOLAN

It’s been an incredibly busy year for me on both a personal and professional level.

From January to June, I spent time campaigning for the Local Election, which demanded extensive outreach and engagement with constituents. I truly enjoyed this experience, and I want to express my gratitude to each of you for your continued support and faith in me as your representative.

As I move forward, I am enthusiastic about the prospect of collaborating with my colleagues and government officials to address critical issues in our community. The delivery of affordable housing is a pressing need that I am committed to prioritising.

Equally important is the enhancement of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, which will promote safer, more sustainable transportation options for everyone. I am also dedicated to implementing vital road safety measures to protect our residents and ensure the safety of all road users.

One of the highlights of the year will be the grand opening of our landmark community and library building by the sea, which includes a much-anticipated Changing Places facility. This facility will greatly improve accessibility for individuals with varying needs, allowing them to engage more fully in community activities. In addition to this project, I am eager to see the progress on our community centre site located on Tara Road.

This centre will serve as a hub for social and recreational activities, further enriching our community's offerings.

Furthermore, I am committed to advocating for Fairer Fares, which will alleviate the burden on hard-pressed commuters.

Ensuring that adequate parking facilities are available near public transport links is essential to enhancing the overall commuting experience.

Supporting local clubs and organisations continues to be a priority for me, as they play a vital role in fostering community spirit and engagement.

Undertaking my term as cathaoirleach has been the greatest honour of my life, and I have cherished every moment spent serving the people of our community.

I look forward to what the future holds and the opportunity to make a positive impact together with my fellow elected representatives.

As we step into this New Year, I want to take a moment to wish each and every one of you a very happy and healthy year ahead. May this year bring you joy, peace, and an abundance of wonderful moments.

Let’s embrace new opportunities, cherish our connections, and prioritise our well-being.

Happy new year to all.

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‘Let us remain committed to being good neighbours and advocating for local businesses’

Cathaoirleach of Navan Municipal District, Cllr Eddie Fennessy.

As I reflect on the past six months, I would like to convey my sincere gratitude to all who supported me during the 2024 Local Elections. It is a true honour to represent you for the upcoming five years. In my role as your local representative, I have the privilege of engaging with many community members to understand what matters most to you and to explore how I, along with the council, can best assist. I believe that everyone plays a crucial role in shaping our shared future.

2024 hasn’t been without its challenges. The cost-of-living crisis has affected everyone, bringing new worries and pressure. Inflation continues to surge, leading to increased prices for everyday essentials like food, fuel, and housing. Businesses are also feeling the impact, facing higher costs and reduced consumer spending, which could lead to slowed economic growth and job insecurity.

As the year progresses, I will continue to work towards finding solutions to help alleviate these pressures and I encourage you all to continue to support local in 2025. As we look ahead, there are several initiatives and projects that hold great promise for our community. I eagerly anticipate the continuation of the 2030 scheme, the completion of the new bridge over the Blackwater, and the ongoing expansion of the Navan Cycle Network.

Additionally, the implementation of the pathfinder cycle scheme between Navan and Trim, the development of infrastructure in Johnstown, and the further enhancement of our local bus service are all critical developments that we can look forward to. These initiatives will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and improvement of our local area. 2025 will also see the commencement of Navan Cultural Quarter: Community Hub & County Archive project.

As we look forward to the future positively, it is essential to extend our support to those within our communities.

Let us remain committed to being good neighbours, fostering community growth, and advocating for local businesses. Your efforts play a vital role in creating a thriving environment for all.

I wish you and yours a happy and healthy new year - athbhliain faoi mhaise.

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'I look forward to working together to make 2025 a safer and more prosperous year for our community'

Cathaoirleach of Kells Municipal District, Cllr Sarah Reilly.

I will focus on several identified black spots on our roads in collaboration with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and Meath County Council. These areas have long been a concern for residents, and I am committed to making tangible progress in addressing these critical safety issues.

I am pleased to see increased funding for road improvement works in 2025. This investment is much needed and long overdue. I will work tirelessly to ensure that Kells Municipal District receives a significant share of this funding to upgrade as many roads as possible, improving safety and accessibility for all road users.

In addition to road safety, I remain dedicated to ensuring that rural areas receive essential infrastructure improvements.

Following a motion I successfully passed in 2024, Meath County Council established a new fund for developing rural footpaths. In 2025, I will work to ensure that areas with the greatest need are prioritised under this fund, providing safer walking routes for residents.

Beyond infrastructure, I will continue to support individuals, community groups, and sporting organisations in accessing essential funding.

Whether it’s for housing adaptation grants, hall refurbishments, or upgrading pitch lighting to LED, I am committed to collaborating closely with everyone in our district to help secure the resources they need to thrive.

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to working together to make 2025 a safer and more prosperous year for our community.

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'By choosing to shop locally, we contribute to the vitality and sustainability of our community's economy'

Cathaoirleach of Ashbourne Municipal District, Cllr Alan Tobin.

Addressing housing needs will remain a top priority in 2025. We all recognise the importance of providing adequate and affordable housing options for all residents, and we are committed to developing strategies that ensure everyone has a place to call home.

Together we are eagerly anticipating the completion of the ongoing roadworks in Ashbourne, which will greatly improve transportation and accessibility in the area. I encourage the community to take advantage of the active travel measures being implemented, such as dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian pathways, as these initiatives will promote healthier lifestyles and reduce our carbon footprint.

I want to express my gratitude to each of you for your continued patience throughout the project.

I invite the public to continue supporting our local shops and businesses. By choosing to shop locally, we contribute to the vitality and sustainability of our community's economy, ensuring that our local enterprises thrive and that we foster a stronger sense of community.

In 2025, I will also continue to explore opportunities for the development of community spaces, which are vital to enhancing the quality of life within our Municipal District.

These spaces can serve as gathering areas for events, activities, and social interactions, fostering a greater sense of belonging among residents.

As we step into this new year, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and healthy new year.

Let’s work together to make our community an even better place to live!

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'Together, we can make a significant impact on our community's well-being and ensure a safer future for all'

Leas Cathaoirleach of Trim Municipal District, Cllr Ronan Moore

As we approach the conclusion of 2024, I feel it is essential to take a moment to extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved in the Communities in Bloom initiative.

Achieving recognition on the international stage is no small feat, and it is a testament to the remarkable efforts being made within our community. This success could not have been realised without the unwavering dedication and hard work of the many volunteers in Trim, who have devoted their time and energy to enhancing our surroundings and fostering community spirit. Your commitment does not go unnoticed, and I applaud each of you for your contributions. Congratulations to all who played a role in this wonderful achievement!

As we look forward to the opportunities and challenges of 2025, I want to share some of my key priorities for the upcoming year. One of my foremost concerns will be improving road safety measures, particularly in areas surrounding schools within the Municipal District. I believe that implementing effective traffic calming measures is crucial to ensuring the safety of our children and encouraging safe practices among drivers. I am committed to working closely with Meath County Council and community members to develop solutions that enhance safety and create a nurturing environment for our students. Together, we can make a significant impact on our community's well-being and ensure a safer future for all.

I will persist in my efforts to advocate for impactful climate action initiatives that address the pressing challenges posed by climate change. This involves promoting sustainable practices, supporting renewable energy projects, and actively engaging with communities to raise awareness about the importance of preserving our environment for future generations.

I want to thank each of you for your continued support, and I wish you all a healthy and happy new year.

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'We are focused on securing funding for several key projects that will greatly benefit our communities'

Cathaoirleach of Laytown/Bettystown Municipal District, Cllr Paddy Meade

As cathaoirleach of the Laytown/Bettystown Municipal District, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all residents of our district and county a happy new year for the coming 2025.

Our district is one of great diversity, stretching from the northern parts of Meath, including Collon, Lobinstown, Rathkenny, and Castletown, through Slane, Beauparc, parts of Tullyallan, Donore, and Duleek, all the way to the coastal parishes of Mornington, Bettystown, Laytown, and Julianstown in East Meath.

Looking ahead to the coming year, we are focused on securing funding for several key projects that will greatly benefit our communities:

Implementing much-needed traffic safety measures at several high-risk junctions; renewed emphasis on funding basic roadworks and maintenance across the district; reopening the Boyne Greenway at Oldbridge and creating a connecting footpath towards St Oliver’s Community School, which will provide an excellent amenity for all.

Exciting developments for 2025 include: The opening of the new Bettystown library, which will feature public toilets and changing rooms, making it more convenient for those visiting the beach.

Following the purchase of land and property in Slane this year, we hope 2025 will see progress on a new community space, as well as the potential for a park-and-ride service, which will ease the pressure on parking in the village and surrounding areas.

May 2025 be filled with joy, prosperity, and good health.

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‘Together, we can work towards creating a safer and more welcoming environment for everyone’

Cathaoirleach of Ratoath Municipal District, Cllr Nick Killian

First and foremost, I want to express my sincere gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support during the Local Election campaign earlier this year.

It was an invaluable opportunity to engage with many of you and gain insight into your concerns. As your local representative, I am committed to advocating for your interests to the best of my ability. Thank you once again for your trust and support.

As we approach 2025, one of the most pressing issues facing Ratoath Municipal District is the escalating cost of living and the ongoing housing crisis. Many families are struggling to make ends meet, and affordable housing options are increasingly scarce. It is crucial that we continue to prioritise sustainable development and explore innovative solutions to ensure that everyone can access safe and affordable housing.

I am excited about the ongoing implementation of new active travel measures in the Municipal District. These initiatives aim to promote walking, cycling, and public transport, fostering a healthier environment and reducing our carbon footprint. By enhancing our infrastructure, we can encourage more residents to adopt active modes of transportation, which will ultimately contribute to improved public health and overall community well-being.

Road safety remains a significant concern for us all. As our population grows and traffic patterns evolve, it is vital that we continue to advocate for additional measures in 2025 aimed at enhancing road safety. This includes improved signage, safer crossings, and traffic calming measures to protect pedestrians and cyclists alike.

Furthermore, I am acutely aware of the persistent issue of anti-social behaviour that affects many communities. I constantly hear from my constituents about their experiences and concerns regarding safety and public order. I am committed to collaborating closely with the council and An Garda Síochána to identify effective strategies and solutions that can help mitigate these issues and foster a sense of security within our community.

Together, we can work towards creating a safer and more welcoming environment for everyone.

I wish each of you a happy and healthy 2025.