Latest news with #MeathCountyCouncil
Irish Independent
6 hours ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
Meath Councillor Brian Fitzgerald reflects on health board system as he marks 40 years of service
Speaking to the Irish Independent at the ceremony to mark his four decades of service to Meath County Council, the independent councillor—who began his political career with the Labour Party in 1985 – described the abolition of the health board system as the 'biggest disaster.' Mr Fitzgerald served on the North Eastern Health Board for 13 years, representing Meath during a period of national scrutiny over healthcare reform. He said: 'A lot of our power was taken from us, the abolition of the health board was one of the biggest disasters in rural areas. When the health board was there, people were helping on the ground. Councillors were on the ground, we were able to keep our finger on the pulse.' The health board system in Ireland was established under the 1970 Health Act, originally consisting of eight regional boards. In 1999, the system was expanded to eleven regional bodies. However, on January 1, 2005, the health boards were abolished and replaced by a single national authority, the Health Service Executive (HSE). Cllr Fitzgerald's commitment to public service goes far beyond healthcare. Over the past four decades, Cllr Fitzgerald has championed causes ranging from housing and education to rural infrastructure and youth development. He added: 'It has been an enjoyable journey, it has had its ups and downs but overall Meath has been a great county to represent.' 'During my 40 years, I have worked with many councillors and officials and every single one of them had one priority and that was to make Meath better. I am so proud today to celebrate 40 years on this Council.' Cllr Brian Fitzgerald was first elected to the then Dunshaughlin Local Electoral Area (now covered by the Ratoath MD) in 1985, taking the seat of his uncle Jack Fitzgerald. Since then, he has been re-elected seven times and has served as Cathaoirleach three times. He also served as a TD from 1992 to 1997 and was appointed Whip of the Labour Party. At the event yesterday, colleagues paid tribute to his career, former Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council Cllr Sharon Tolan said: "Thank you to Councillor Fitzgerald for 40 fantastic years, whose tireless campaigning and championing of vital projects to improve people's lives in Meath continues to this day." Meanwhile Chief Executive of Meath County Council Kieran Kehoe said: "On behalf of Meath County Council, I would just like to say congratulations on 40 brilliant years and thank you for all your hard work, tremendous service, and for making Meath a better place."
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Johnstown in Meath 'left behind' as new Navan community centre secures funding
Meath County Council's planned community centre at Cluain Adain is set to receive €400,000 under the 2025 Community Recognition Fund. In total, four projects across Meath have been awarded €696,496, as part of a national package of €17m for 212 community initiatives across the country. The scheme supports communities that have welcomed new arrivals in recent years. Senator Linda Nelson Murray welcomed the funding for Cluain Adain, but noted the ongoing demand for more community infrastructure in Navan. 'Navan is really struggling for community buildings, we don't have enough places for the elderly to go and be together, we don't have enough places for the youth to go, so the fact there is going to be a new community building built near Clauin Adain, which is a brand new housing estate, is very welcome news,' she said. 'However, I think we need more community centres; one in the Johnstown area, and one in the centre of the town.' Her call was echoed by Independent Councillor Alan Lawes, who said Johnstown has been overlooked for too long. 'Any new community centre is always welcome but people in Johnstown feel left behind. The town has about 12,000 people living in it but there's still no community centre,' said Cllr Lawes. 'We have clubs like boxing or dancing clubs with no home. All these community groups have nowhere to call home….they need somewhere to call home. Every population should have one.' Meanwhile Minister for Education and Meath East TD, Helen McEntee, also welcomed the announcement. 'This investment will empower our communities to become more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, making them better places to live, raise families, and socialise,' she said on a post on social media. Ms McEntee added: 'Congratulations to the community groups in Meath listed who have been the driving force behind the successful applications. I look forward to seeing the completed projects and the benefits they will bring to our local communities.' The four Meath projects to receive funding under the scheme are: Meath County Council's new community building in Cluain Adain (€400,000) Flexibus, Navan, for a new wheelchair-accessible bus (€146,496) Ashbourne and District Community Council CLG (€80,000) Cushinstown Athletic Club, Duleek, for facility upgrades (€70,000).
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Aontú councillor ‘wasn't advocating for violence' at meeting about possible Ipas centres in Meath
David Boyne, who is a local councillor for Trim, stood up at a Trim Says No rally on May 30, where he spoke about a recent decision not to permit an International Protection Accommodation Services (Ipas) centre in an industrial unit in the area. Mr Boyne also addressed a separate application that has been lodged for another unit in the centre of Trim town, with a decision expected next week. Before being handed the microphone, Mr Boyne was told he was not allowed to mention politics, including 'f words' that relate to political parties. However, during his speech Mr Boyne said that people power came in two forms, violence or voting. 'I won't mention those words but you know what to do. You know how to stop this,' Mr Boyne said. 'It's people power and people power translates into two things, violence or votes. And if you're not going to do one, do the other.' Last week, Meath County Council decided not to provide Erinpark Ltd with an exemption to turn a unit in Oak Tree Business Park into a centre for international protection applicants. A final decision on a separate application for a premises at Fairgreen, Summerhill Road, is expected on June 10. Mr Boyne said he was not telling those gathered at the meeting to use violence to oppose Ipas centres. 'Absolutely not. I wasn't advocating for violence. The point I was trying to make was people power translates to votes,' Mr Boyne said. 'So, when I said violence or votes, I was referring to the 1916 Rising, which was a violent event, that was people power. That's one way to do it, which nobody wants. Or the other way is votes. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more 'I couldn't talk about politics. I couldn't mention politics and I was trying to link the fact that people power is politics.' The councillor said he hoped that his meaning was not picked up incorrectly. 'The thrust of what I was saying was, violence is bad. Don't do that. Voting is good. Do that,' Mr Boyne said. An Aontú spokesperson said it was 'absolutely ridiculous' to suggest that Mr Boyne was inciting violence. 'Anyone who knows him would find this allegation outrageous. Cllr Boyne is on the public record a number of times calling on people not to take matters into their own hands and not to touch property,' the party said. At a previous meeting on international protection centres in the area, Mr Boyne told those gathered that 'anyone here that might be of a mind to take matters into their own hands, do not touch that building'. The spokesperson added that while Mr Boyne's language was 'very clunky', the councillor had asked people to translate their people power into votes. 'Cllr Boyne is a brand new councillor. He was elected less than a year ago. He hasn't had much experience in public speaking, yet he has been thrown into the deep end, trying to help communities grapple with the Ipas system,' the spokesperson said. They added that it was 'unfair' for Mr Boyne's words to be portrayed as anything other than peaceful, because 'he misspoke once'.
Irish Independent
02-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
‘A chance to be happy' – Meath mother gets keys to new home after eight years on housing list
April Martin, a 35-year-old new mother, had spent almost a decade on the social housing waiting list before receiving the keys to her new home in Farganstown three weeks ago. Cradling her four-month-old son, Rico, she described the moment as a 'chance to be happy' 'It's amazing having a place to call home; you're not worried about a landlord saying you need to move out,' she said. Before getting her permanent home, Ms Martin was living in a rented accommodation. She said: 'The place we were living before was really bad. My baby was at the hospital three times in two weeks for Bronchiolitis. The first night we moved in here, it all stopped. His health has improved a 100pc.' Ms Martin added: 'He's only four months old so it was heartbreaking seeing him not being able to breathe.' In Meath, 1260 Inspections were carried out on rented properties for Q1 2025. Of this figure, 401 were first inspections, only 14 properties passed after their first inspection. The new mother who is originally from Dublin and has been living in Meath since she was on the waiting list said Farganstown is a 'beautiful place to live'. 'The neighbours are really nice and helpful, there is already a sense of community.' Ms Martin's new residence is one of 231 new homes across three developments in Navan (Farganstown), Clonee (Aylesbury), and Ashbourne (Millrace). The projects were formally opened by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, during events on Friday last. 'Beyond the numbers and delivery figures, it's crucial to remember the real impact: a family or individual whose life will be greatly enhanced by having a long-term, secure, and affordable home in a thriving community,' Minister Browne said. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more 'These 231 new homes aren't just roofs over heads; they offer peace of mind and long-term security.' The Farganstown site in Navan, where Ms Martin and Rico now live, features 84 new homes and cost over €25.8 million. The development includes a mix of one- to four-bedroom units and was completed in February 2025. It includes landscaped open space, car and bicycle parking, and communal facilities. Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Sharon Tolan, welcomed the new developments and said: 'Late last year, when we launched Meath County Council's Corporate Plan, I emphasised the Council's unwavering commitment to excellence in every priority, strategy and vision we set out. Providing high-quality homes to people was a key priority in that plan. 'I am thrilled to welcome the completion of 231 beautiful new homes in three rapidly growing areas within our county, especially considering the current national housing challenges.' Meanwhile Chief Executive of Meath County Council Kieran Kehoe praised the council's achievement in exceeding national social housing targets, despite ongoing pressures. 'These developments are yet another example of Meath County Council and our partners in the Department of Housing recognising our communities' diverse needs and delivering high-quality housing solutions to meet them.' Ms Martin hopes her story will inspire other families still waiting. 'I hope other families get what we got - a chance for the kids and themselves to be happy and healthy.' Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Irish Independent
02-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
‘A chance to be happy': Meath mother finds relief in €81m housing scheme officially opened by council'
April Martin, a 35-year-old new mother, had spent almost a decade on the social housing waiting list before receiving the keys to her new home in Farganstown three weeks ago. Cradling her four-month-old son, Rico, she described the moment as a 'chance to be happy' 'It's amazing having a place to call home; you're not worried about a landlord saying you need to move out,' she said. Before getting her permanent home, Ms Martin was living in a rented accommodation. She said: 'The place we were living before was really bad. My baby was at the hospital three times in two weeks for Bronchiolitis. The first night we moved in here, it all stopped. His health has improved a 100pc.' Ms Martin added: 'He's only four months old so it was heartbreaking seeing him not being able to breathe.' In Meath, 1260 Inspections were carried out on rented properties for Q1 2025. Of this figure, 401 were first inspections, only 14 properties passed after their first inspection. The new mother who is originally from Dublin and has been living in Meath since she was on the waiting list said Farganstown is a 'beautiful place to live'. 'The neighbours are really nice and helpful, there is already a sense of community.' Ms Martin's new residence is one of 231 new homes across three developments in Navan (Farganstown), Clonee (Aylesbury), and Ashbourne (Millrace). The projects were formally opened by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, during events on Friday last. 'Beyond the numbers and delivery figures, it's crucial to remember the real impact: a family or individual whose life will be greatly enhanced by having a long-term, secure, and affordable home in a thriving community,' Minister Browne said. ADVERTISEMENT 'These 231 new homes aren't just roofs over heads; they offer peace of mind and long-term security.' The Farganstown site in Navan, where Ms Martin and Rico now live, features 84 new homes and cost over €25.8 million. The development includes a mix of one- to four-bedroom units and was completed in February 2025. It includes landscaped open space, car and bicycle parking, and communal facilities. Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Sharon Tolan, welcomed the new developments and said: 'Late last year, when we launched Meath County Council's Corporate Plan, I emphasised the Council's unwavering commitment to excellence in every priority, strategy and vision we set out. Providing high-quality homes to people was a key priority in that plan. 'I am thrilled to welcome the completion of 231 beautiful new homes in three rapidly growing areas within our county, especially considering the current national housing challenges.' Meanwhile Chief Executive of Meath County Council Kieran Kehoe praised the council's achievement in exceeding national social housing targets, despite ongoing pressures. 'These developments are yet another example of Meath County Council and our partners in the Department of Housing recognising our communities' diverse needs and delivering high-quality housing solutions to meet them.' Ms Martin hopes her story will inspire other families still waiting. 'I hope other families get what we got - a chance for the kids and themselves to be happy and healthy.' Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
