Beginnings: 1975-2010
A committee was first formed to seek a Community Centre for Kilcloon in the mid-1970s. Around 1985/1986 a major fundraiser was undertaken and a substantial amount of money was raised. Over the years, as various opportunities were explored, KCC registered as a limited company and achieved recognised Charity status in 2002/2003.
After a number of false dawns over the years, and many challenges faced in respect of the many sites the Committee investigated to build on, the present site opposite the Church, the most suitable site for a Community Centre - as agreed with Meath County Council - came on the market. Thanks to the generosity of the community, the hard work of the committee and the help of the Credit Union, the land was purchased at auction. Over the following years, the Committee undertook a range of fundraising, including Poker and 25 Classics and a monster draw run together with the local GAA club, Blackhall Gaels. These, together with some generous donations, allowed the loans needed for the purchase of the site to be fully repaid within four years.
Several meetings with Meath County Council took place over the following years and by 2010 plans were in place to lodge a planning application with the Council. However, as with so many projects at this time, the global economic downturn meant all plans had to be put on hold.
After a number of false dawns over the years, and many challenges faced in respect of the many sites the Committee investigated to build on, the present site opposite the Church, the most suitable site for a Community Centre - as agreed with Meath County Council - came on the market. Thanks to the generosity of the community, the hard work of the committee and the help of the Credit Union, the land was purchased at auction. Over the following years, the Committee undertook a range of fundraising, including Poker and 25 Classics and a monster draw run together with the local GAA club, Blackhall Gaels. These, together with some generous donations, allowed the loans needed for the purchase of the site to be fully repaid within four years.
Several meetings with Meath County Council took place over the following years and by 2010 plans were in place to lodge a planning application with the Council. However, as with so many projects at this time, the global economic downturn meant all plans had to be put on hold.
moving forward: 2013-2020
In September 2013, the Committee met with Meath Council Council to develop a strategy to move the Community Centre project forward. This resulted in approval to begin sellling sites for homes from our site in order to fund the future building of the Community Centre.
Four sites went on the market in 2014. Subject to Local Needs Criteria, these four sites had planning permission granted between 2015 and 2017 and all four are now completed and occupied.
Following the success of this first phase, further discussions took place with Meath County Council in 2018 and an overall site development plan was agreed. This allowed full planning permission for the Community Centre itself and outline planning permission for 13 further sites, subject to local needs criteria.
The design of the Community Centre and outline design for the 13 sites was undertaken by renowned architects McKevitt King.
In accordance with the planning approval granted, these sites will be developed in two phases. The first of these consists of 8 sites, with the remaining 5 coming later. This is to allow a report on the progress of the building of the Community Centre to be approved by Meath County Council before proceeding to the second phases of site sales.
The first 8 sites went on the market in July 2020 through our estate agent partners, Leinster Property.
Four sites went on the market in 2014. Subject to Local Needs Criteria, these four sites had planning permission granted between 2015 and 2017 and all four are now completed and occupied.
Following the success of this first phase, further discussions took place with Meath County Council in 2018 and an overall site development plan was agreed. This allowed full planning permission for the Community Centre itself and outline planning permission for 13 further sites, subject to local needs criteria.
The design of the Community Centre and outline design for the 13 sites was undertaken by renowned architects McKevitt King.
In accordance with the planning approval granted, these sites will be developed in two phases. The first of these consists of 8 sites, with the remaining 5 coming later. This is to allow a report on the progress of the building of the Community Centre to be approved by Meath County Council before proceeding to the second phases of site sales.
The first 8 sites went on the market in July 2020 through our estate agent partners, Leinster Property.
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The Future: 2021 and beyond
Kilcloon Community Centre will begin construction with Phase 1 of the site development plan in early 2021.
When complete, The Community Centre will be a 426m2 facility with potential to serve the needs of all residents, regardless of age. It will be a multipurpose complex with meeting rooms, a large hall and a reception area, catering for local clubs, organisations and will accommodate social and cultural events.
Progress, updates and detailed plans are available to view here on our website and on Facebook.
When complete, The Community Centre will be a 426m2 facility with potential to serve the needs of all residents, regardless of age. It will be a multipurpose complex with meeting rooms, a large hall and a reception area, catering for local clubs, organisations and will accommodate social and cultural events.
Progress, updates and detailed plans are available to view here on our website and on Facebook.