Dunshaughlin left waiting for decision on pool

NO decision has been made on the location of a swimming pool to service the Dunshaughlin area despite a claim that it would be sited in Ratoath, a local councillor said this week. Cllr Brian Fitzgerald said that while a preliminary report from a consultant suggested Ratoath as a possible location, many councillors did not agree and that no decision had been made because it was deemed premature. The claim that the pool was to be located in Ratoath was made by local Dunshaughlin resident Gerry O"Connor, who said that he had read with interest that the council had 'found' a further €1.1 million in its budget towards a swimming pool in the Dunshaughlin area 'which will be cited (sic) somewhere in Ratoath'. Cllr Fitzgerald said that what had been agreed by the council was that it would build up a fund to ensure its contribution would be available if and when the Government decided to grant aid the project. 'The Dunshaughlin area boundary is now extended and having a population of over 40,000, Ratoath may not be the most suitable site because it is not central enough. It was also felt by the area members that extension of the rail line from Pace/Dunboyne to Dunshaughlin would also play a major part in any future decision,' he said, He said it should also be remembered that Dunshaughlin would grow to a moderate growth town in accordance with the County Development Plan, while Ratoath"s growth would slow down somewhat. 'Instead of people knocking Dunshaughlin, many of the positives should be recognised that will give a real base to the future development of the town, i.e. the health care unit, top class schools, public park, fire station, top class restaurants/pubs, a wide range of shops, community centre, new parish centre, sporting facilities, Garda Station, Courthouse, Local Area County Council office.' Dunshaughlin was one of the towns in the county that would have its own independent water and waste water treatment plants to service the future growth of the town, he said. 'The M3 should also make a huge difference to the quality of life. Let"s hope that our campaign in the council to bring the rail to Dunshaughlin will be successful and give a huge boost to the town and its many commuters. 'We have some way to go but we are working to a plan which conforms with regional planning guidelines and government policies that required hours of debate and lobbying to have Dunshaughlin recognised as an area of great potential,' he said. 'As one who grew up in Dunshaughlin, I resent those who run it down. I have seen it grow from very humble beginnings to what it is now, thanks to a vibrant community that has worked hard for generations. Dunshaughlin has a very bright future if we all think positively and work together. I would ask those who are 'knocking" and thinking negatively to stop,' he concluded.