Work begins to clear derelict garage site
Contractors have moved on site this week to begin work on demolishing the former Doyles Garage in Drumconrath.
The derelict garage, which has been an eyesore in the north Meath village for years, was recently been acquired by Meath County Council with a view knocking it and developing the site as an amenity area.
Last year, Meath County Council made an application to an Bord Pleanala seeking consent to compulsorily acquire the former garage and an adjoining derelict house under the Derelict Sites Act.
The property is on the Derelict Sites register in Meath since 2022. Just before Christmas, an Bord Pleanala gave the green light to the council to acquire the property.
Initial works to clear away the vegetation on the site and clear out the derelict building in advance of its demolition have commenced. However, it will still be some time before the site will be developed as an amenity area to create a focal point at that end of the village.
Cllr Eugene Cassidy said plans are currently being drawn up for the site and that a part eight planning application will be made at which point local people can give their input.
Welcoming the commencement of works, he said: "Today sees the start of the removal of this eyesore in the village of Drumconrath that has blighted the village for the last 30 years. People didn't believe me when I said that we could acquire this property and turn it into an amenity space in the village. Well today that process has started.
"Meath County Council has moved contractors in today to start demolishing the garage and clear the vegetation around the premises. The garage will be cleared out, windows and the roof will be removed before the garage is levelled and removed from the site.
"The house which is a listed building will be secured for future development and the grounds will be turned in to green space until funding is obtained to create an amenity/recreational area. Meath County Council has already appointed an architect to start the design/planning process in which people will have an input in to the future of this amenity area.
"This is a three-year project but today is the start of something which will have a positive impact on the village of Drumconrath."
The expected timeframe is that once planning permission is in place that funding applications will be made next year with the work to be carried out in 2027.