I warmly welcome the news that planning permission has been granted for a mixed development of homes, retail and community space at the site of the Old Mill in Julianstown.

I am pleased that planning permission has been granted for what will be an important new development for Julianstown. The proposed development will comprise 62 new homes, retail, a pharmacy, a café, a medical centre along with a riverside park and scenic walking trail for use by the whole community.

Though once a prominent Julianstown landmark and very popular Hotel, the Old Mill site has been derelict and an eyesore for almost 20 years, so it is very positive to see the site finally being revitalised and put back to use for the community.

This project has the potential to be a high-quality public realm that will enhance the quality of life for residents of Julianstown of all ages, providing new homes, services, economic activity and a recreational amenity in the form of a riverside park with a playground for local families and children.

I am pleased that the 18th-century Mill structures that hold protected-structure status within Julianstown’s Architectural Conservation Area will be adapted and restored as part of the project. Julianstown has rich architecture and heritage and this must be protected as we seek progress in the village.

This development represents an opportunity for Julianstown while ensuring that growth is supported by appropriate investment in public infrastructure. There must be a clear commitment therefore by Meath County Council to address the long-term traffic and transport challenges facing Julianstown through a new Public Consultation and engagement process that looks at every available option.

Residents have understandable concerns about congestion, road safety and the impact of additional traffic on the existing road network. These issues need to be resolved while we also strive to improve the quality of life for Julianstown residents by providing infrastructure and services.

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While we absolutely need to address traffic congestion and improve road safety through Julianstown, particularly for school children attending Whitecross NS, I am not convinced that the Options that have been presented for a Bypass will actually deliver a better quality of life for residents of Julianstown and may actually push traffic volume and congestion onto other roads in the locality including Moorechurch, Claristown and Briarleas.

There are more than 22,000 vehicles per day travelling through Julianstown and there is significant traffic congestion through the village at peak commuter times as local residents know only too well. We need to fully understand why this is the case; how much of an issue Toll avoidance is and whether improving public transport infrastructure in East Meath such as a new Train Station at Bettystown and a focus on the creation of more local employment can form part of an overall suite of measures to reduce heavy traffic in the area.

I am therefore asking that all options be further explored, such as a link road onto the R150 Duleek-Julianstown road to then access the M1 South of the Toll and/or the development of the Bryanstown Link-Road at Colpe which remains in the County Development Plan. This new road would provide a route from Colpe roundabout over to the M1 close to Boann Distillery, essentially taking cars off the Beamore Road and providing an outlet for traffic from South Drogheda, Donacarney and Mornington to directly access the M1 without having to travel through Julianstown.

I believe that the Options currently before us have too narrow a focus. Done right, a Julianstown Traffic Relief Scheme focused on providing another access point onto the M1 motorway could relieve traffic not just from the centre of Julianstown but also from Duleek and the South Drogheda/Beamore road area.

Many local residents in Julianstown have expressed legitimate concerns about the current process and by the Options presented. There are significant concerns regarding the robustness of the evidence underpinning the Options and whether other alternatives have been fully explored.

Residents can make their views known on the Scheme by making a submission to Meath County Council on or before July 31^st next. Full information can be found on the website www.julianstowntrafficrelief.ie . I encourage everyone to have your say.

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I welcome the commitment made to me by Irish Water to deal with the worrying increase in water outages affecting East Meath, in particular the Duleek and South Drogheda areas.

Following extensive lobbying on my part of Irish Water, I am pleased to be told by the National Utility that works are planned to commence next month. Significant works are proposed, including the replacement of approximately 2,900 meters of the existing 300mm AC trunk main. The trunk watermain extends from the service reservoir at Staleen to Duleek Business Park.

The recurring water outages in the Duleek & South Drogheda area have become a serious and worrying burden on local residents and businesses particularly over the last year or so. Reliable access to water is a basic necessity for everyone and the ongoing issues are causing considerable frustration and concern amongst local people. It is particularly difficult for our Senior Citizens.

I have repeatedly raised this issue both at Council level and with Irish Water on behalf of South Drogheda and East Meath residents so I am happy that we will soon see progress. I am asking Meath County Council to seek assurances that the work will be carried out as a matter of urgency.

The Plan by Uisce Eireann to upgrade 8Km of faulty trunk watermain between Staleen Water Treatment Plant and Duleek to address the frequent supply issues in East Meath needs to be delivered urgently. We also need to see what plans there are to cover supply during disruptions during the works.

I will continue to highlight this matter so that appropriate action is taken to ensure a safe and reliable water supply for East Meath residents.

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As a member of the Indaver Community Liaison Committee, I am delighted to have played a key role in securing almost €285,000 worth of funding for various clubs and organisations in the East Meath area pending final formal approval by Meath County Council.

I am particularly pleased to have supported our local GAA Clubs, St.Mary’s GFC and Duleek-Bellewstown GFC who between them will receive €85,000 for projects at their Club Grounds. Duleek AFC Soccer Club will receive €40,000 while Drogheda Town FC have been awarded €18,000 towards a training area and community walkway.

Many other clubs, groups and associations in the area will also benefit from the fund this year including Duleek Drama Players, Julianstown Youth Orchestra, Duleek Senior Citizens, Donore & Rossnaree Parish Community Development Group and Duleek Heritage Group. I’m pleased to have also strongly supported funding for local schools Donore NS and Mounthanover NS where projects include the upgrade of school play areas for children.

Under the planning conditions of Indaver, a planning levy is made to the local community for every tonne that is accepted into the Waste-to-Energy facility. The Fund is managed by the Community Liaison Committee of which I am a member and the fund is designed to provide financial assistance to local community-based clubs and voluntary organisations for the development of community projects and works in the locality.

There is obviously a limited fund available and unfortunately not everyone can benefit this year, but I am pleased that so many local groups and organisations will benefit this year from the Scheme. They make a huge contribution to our communities. I will continue to work hard on behalf of all our local groups.

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I continue to strongly oppose any development on the beautiful Green Area of Foxbury on behalf of local residents. This is the second such planning application made in recent months with the first having already been refused by Meath County Council.

Foxbury is a small, mature, residential estate of 34 homes which is almost 30 years old. The green space in question on which it is proposed to construct these homes is of very high quality and value to residents. It is a space that is used daily by local children to play on and enjoy, and provides an important safe, open space for the benefit of all residents.

It has always been the belief and understanding of residents that the green areas of Foxbury are for the sole use and enjoyment of the residents and furthermore, that no part of them could be developed upon. It is simply inconceivable that planning for any homes would be given permission on such an important piece of green space.

The proposed development site is situated in a Zone B site with regard to flood risk, meaning it is at high risk of flooding. We have seen in recent years the devastation caused in the East Meath area as a result of flooding. There is a serious risk that additional housing at this location will exacerbate the current flooding problems. This reason alone should prevent planning being granted on this site.

I am encouraging as many Foxbury residents as possible to engage in the planning process and indeed residents in the wider area to do so too. A grant of planning permission for homes on a Green Area amenity within an established housing development such as Foxbury could set a dangerous and undesirable precedent for future planning applications in the East Meath area. Submissions in writing to the Council should be made on or before April 02nd.

I recognise the importance of providing more houses in the East Meath area into the future to meet demand. Nevertheless, it is clear to me and residents that the site in question is wholly inappropriate for such a development.

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I am calling for the Navan-Drogheda railway line to be reinstated.

This is an issue that I have been lobbying on for a period of time now and one which I feel has huge merit. I have asked the Minister for Transport and his Department to look at the viability of extending services to include passenger services along the existing Navan-Drogheda rail line as a possible option to improve public transport options for all those living in Navan and towns on the route such as Duleek, providing a rail link to Dublin from Navan in a relatively inexpensive and fast manner.

We have the DART+ Programme which will provide an extension of the existing electrified rail network from Malahide to Drogheda MacBride Station and will facilitate an increase to the rail capacity on the Northern Line between Dublin City Centre and Drogheda. Reinstating the connection between Navan and Drogheda would create an enhanced service for all rail commuters between Navan, Duleek, Drogheda, Dublin and Belfast.

With the new Meath County Development Plan being worked on, I have asked that this issue be closely looked at as an option to promote within the County. Drogheda and Navan are important population centres in the North East and reinstating the rail line would reduce car dependency on the part of many workers and students in the Greater Drogheda and Navan catchment areas and would give an extra travel option. While Louth and Meath benefit from the important North-South Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor, there is no passenger rail service running East-West between the two counties. Reinstating the Navan-Drogheda line would go some way to addressing that deficit.

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I am pleased to confirm the news that Meath County Council will put in place a new footpath between the old Community Centre and the bus stop on the Garra Road, Donacarney as part of the works to put in 2 new bus shelters at the same location.

I welcome the fact that this project has been approved by Meath County Council and that work can finally begin on this much-needed footpath during this Summer. There is a clear and urgent need to ensure that local families can safely access local bus services.

The provision of a safe, accessible footpath from the Community Centre down to the bus stops has been a long-standing priority of mine so I am happy to see this project moving forward.

I have been lobbying the Council about the need for a footpath at this location over the last few years. This is good news for Donacarney residents.

This comes on the back of the news that bus shelters will also be put in place this year on the Garra Road, Donacarney (close to Castle Glen) under the Council’s Schedule of Works Programme 2026.

I have lobbied hard for these bus shelters for the area on behalf of local residents and will continue working on the inclusion of more locations as part of the rollout programme so that in time we have bus shelters at every bus top in East Meath.

With the population growth in the area, residents need to be able to access high quality public transport services. We need to improve all transport and public services including basic infrastructure such as bus shelters and footpaths.

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I have been advocating for facilities like this for some time and I welcome the progress that has now been made. East Meath has experienced significant population growth in recent years and it is essential that community infrastructure keeps pace with that growth. A dedicated hub that brings together recreation community use and business facilities will make a real difference to daily life for residents across the area.

The plans currently being prepared by Meath County Council outline a modern and flexible building designed to serve a wide range of needs. At ground floor level the proposed development will include a full size basketball court along with multi function rooms. These spaces will be available for classes training sessions and a variety of community activities depending on local demand. Having access to high quality indoor facilities is hugely important for sports clubs youth groups community organisations and residents of all ages.

I am particularly pleased that the plans also include a dedicated business hub within the building. I proposed that this element be incorporated into the design and I strongly welcome its inclusion. With more people now working remotely or in hybrid roles there is a clear need for local work spaces that offer flexibility connectivity and a professional environment close to home. A community based business hub will support people who want to work locally without the need for long daily commutes.

Encouraging remote working and the use of shared local work hubs brings a wide range of benefits. Reduced commuting means less traffic on our roads more time spent in local communities and improved work life balance. It also contributes to lower emissions and cleaner air which benefits everyone. Providing infrastructure that supports these patterns of work is not just convenient but also forward thinking and sustainable.

From a wider community perspective developments like this strengthen towns and villages. When people work locally they are more likely to use nearby shops services and amenities which supports the local economy. A combined community and business facility can become a focal point for the area creating opportunities for collaboration learning and social connection.

I also see this project as an important investment in the future of East Meath. Facilities that are adaptable and well designed allow communities to respond to changing needs over time. Whether it is hosting classes meetings sports activities training sessions or providing flexible work space this type of hub can evolve as the area continues to grow.

While the planning application has yet to be formally submitted I welcome the fact that the project has reached this stage. I look forward to reviewing the plans once they are lodged and to engaging constructively as the process moves forward. I will continue to work closely with the Council and other stakeholders to support the progression of this project and to ensure it delivers maximum benefit for local people.

As always my focus is on securing practical improvements that enhance quality of life across East Meath. This proposed Community and Business Centre has the potential to deliver long term social economic and environmental benefits and I will do everything I can to help see it progress from planning stage through to delivery.

I will keep residents informed as the project advances and I look forward to seeing this important development move a step closer to becoming a reality for East Meath.

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Access to a safe and reliable water supply is a basic necessity. Unfortunately many households in South Drogheda have experienced repeated outages that have caused frustration disruption and genuine worry. I have been contacted by numerous residents who are at their wits end dealing with unpredictable water supply often with little notice or explanation. This situation is simply not acceptable.

The issue is especially challenging for older residents and those with additional needs. For senior citizens in particular even a short interruption to water supply can have serious consequences. From personal hygiene to preparing food and taking medication reliable water access is essential. It is not unreasonable for people to expect that such a fundamental service is delivered consistently and without repeated disruption.

Local businesses are also being affected. Water outages disrupt normal operations place strain on staff and customers and can result in financial loss. Small businesses in particular rely on dependable services to operate effectively and ongoing uncertainty around water supply undermines confidence and planning.

I raised this matter formally at our most recent Council meeting and made it clear that urgent intervention is required. I asked that Meath County Council engage directly with Irish Water to seek clear assurances on what steps are being taken to address the root causes of these outages and to prevent further disruption in the future.

I welcome the confirmation from Meath County Council that they will now contact Irish Water to establish what measures are planned and what timelines residents can expect for improvements. However engagement alone is not enough. What is needed now is action transparency and a clear plan to restore confidence in the water supply network serving South Drogheda and East Meath.

Residents deserve honest communication about why these outages are occurring and what is being done to fix them. Too often people are left without information which only adds to frustration. A clear strategy and proactive communication would go a long way towards rebuilding trust.

From my perspective this is not an issue that can be allowed to drift. I will continue to raise this matter at every opportunity and will keep pressure on both the Council and Irish Water until tangible improvements are delivered. Infrastructure challenges must be met with urgency particularly in growing areas like South Drogheda where population increases place additional demand on services.

As our communities continue to expand it is vital that essential services keep pace. Water infrastructure must be resilient reliable and capable of meeting current and future demand. Anything less risks undermining quality of life and public confidence.

I will continue to engage directly with residents affected by these outages and ensure their concerns are brought forward clearly and consistently. I encourage anyone experiencing ongoing issues to continue reporting them so that the scale and impact of the problem is fully understood.

This situation requires immediate attention and long term solutions. I am committed to ensuring that East Meath residents have access to the reliable water supply they are entitled to and I will not relent until meaningful progress is made.

I will provide further updates as engagement continues and as responses are received. In the meantime I will continue to advocate strongly on behalf of local residents and businesses until this issue is properly resolved.

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