Donacarney Community Update December 2025
This update focuses on two important issues for Donacarney that I have been actively working on in recent months. The first relates to long awaited public street lighting outside Dun Cairn and the second concerns ongoing efforts to deliver a much needed playground for the area. Both matters are about improving safety quality of life and community facilities for residents.
Public Street Lighting Outside Dun Cairn, Doncarney
I am glad to confirm that I have received written notification from Shannon Homes confirming that the necessary works on their side have now been completed and that the ESB has also finished its required works. Following this confirmation the contractor engaged by Shannon Homes is scheduled to switch on the public lighting outside Dun Cairn during the week beginning Monday December 8th.
This is very welcome news for residents who have been waiting far too long for this issue to be resolved. The absence of adequate public lighting has been a major concern particularly during darker evenings and early mornings. Many residents have contacted me over recent months to express their frustration and their worries about safety both for pedestrians and for drivers entering and exiting the estate.
I have been engaging consistently with all relevant parties to push this issue forward including Shannon Homes the ESB and Meath County Council. Progress has not always been straightforward but sustained pressure combined with strong advocacy from local residents has helped ensure that this issue has remained a priority.
Good public lighting plays a vital role in residential areas. It improves visibility enhances road safety and helps people feel safer walking through their neighbourhood. I am hopeful that once the lights are fully operational they will make a real difference to the sense of safety and comfort for everyone living in and around Dun Cairn.
I will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that the lighting is switched on as scheduled and that it remains operational. If any further issues arise I will pursue them without delay. Residents deserve reliable infrastructure and I will continue to push to ensure standards are met.
Campaign for Donacarney Playground
Alongside progress on public lighting I am also continuing to work on delivering a playground for Donacarney which remains a major priority for the area. I am pleased that a motion I tabled at our most recent Council meeting calling for the development of a playground on Council owned land in Donacarney was adopted by Meath County Council.
The land identified for this proposal is approximately eight acres in size and is located beyond the Glenn Boann housing development on Church Road. It sits close to Mornington Park Maydenhayes and Donacarney Wood making it a central and accessible location for a wide section of the community.
Donacarney has seen significant growth in recent years with many young families now living in the area. Despite this growth there remains a clear lack of dedicated play facilities locally. A playground would provide a safe welcoming space for children to play and for families to gather and connect. It would also help support healthier lifestyles and strengthen community ties.
The adoption of the motion is an important step but it is only the beginning. There is still work to be done in terms of planning design and securing funding. I will continue to engage with Council officials to ensure that this project progresses and that the needs of the local community are reflected in any future development.
I believe strongly that communities should grow with the infrastructure they need. Playgrounds are not a luxury they are a basic community amenity that supports wellbeing inclusion and social interaction. I will continue to advocate for this project and to keep it firmly on the agenda.
Both of these updates show that progress can be achieved through persistence engagement and community support. I want to thank residents for raising these issues and for continuing to work with me to improve Donacarney. I will keep providing updates as matters progress and I remain committed to delivering practical improvements that make a real difference to everyday life in the area.