DUNBOYNE PLAYGROUND AND SKATE PARK UPGRADES BEGIN CONSTRUCTION

expected to take 18 months to finish.

The project was stalled, along with 57 other building projects, by the Department of Education in March due to an issue with funding. Plans were later given the green light in April.

A large proportion of the school is currently in dozens of prefabs with some in a poor state and needing repairs. The new school was first announced in 2014 and has taken nine years to begin construction. The sod was turned by local TDs Thomas Byrne and Helen McEntee during an event at O’Carolan College attended by staff and students.

“It’s taken a long time to get to this stage but it’s great to have ground broken and the building work will commence imminently and the timeline for completion is 18 months,” Minister for

“I’d like to thank Principal, Brian Goggins for his commitment and working tirelessly on ensuring that this project was secured. Thank you also to Martin O’Brien & LMETB, Meath County Council, also the Board of Management, Staff and the Students for all their hard work also. The new school will be a huge asset to all communities across north Meath”.

By Eoin Ryan

Upgrades to Dunboyne playground and skate park began on May 15 with construction expected to be completed in 10 to 12 weeks. The existing playground, skate park, and car park are currently closed while construction is taking place. The pathway going towards Castleview entrance, pedestrian entrance at Maynooth Road, and the park’s green space are remaining open for its duration. No existing equipment will be removed with only adjustments and surface repairs being made to its current playground. These upgrades include a teen area fitted with table tennis, calisthenics bars and seating area. Almost €400,000 was raised to accommodate these changes including a €285k investment from Meta, €100k in funds under the town and village renewal scheme and an additional €21k from Meath County Council. Fundraising was organised by Dunboyne Playspace Forum in order to improve amenities for children and teens in the local area. “Delighted to hear this morning that €100k has been granted for the upgrade of Dunboyne Playground and Skatepark under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme,” Cllr. Maria Murphy said “A big thanks to the 900 people who answered our call last year and completed the survey which we distributed. Thanks also to the primary schools and playschools who supported the project and helped to spread the word.”