Ashbourne
In january 2021 32 meath county councillors voted to zone 80 acres of killegland farm as open space for the provision of a community park, finally realising an almost 10 year campaign from councillors and local community groups. This was a wonderful development for the town which is in dire need of greenspace due to being continually built up with houses and apartments over the last 20 years. The pandemic has highlighted this issue immensely, as there was no facilities within our 5km radius and this had a major impact of the physical and mental health of adults and more particularly our children. The idea of a town the size of Ashbourne having so little greenspace is incredible. The positive health and social benefits that will flow from the availability of such greenspace facilities have been clearly documented by academic study and commissioned research on health and wellness.
I ask that the County Development plan 2021-2027 incorporates an unequivocal commitment to a community park for Ashbourne that is a minmum of 80 acres in size, World Health organisation parameters give a recommendation of 160 acres. Dublin City Council would recommend between 90 and 130 acres based on our population size. This park will serve a wider community in Meath and beyond and will be a welcome addition for reasons for people to visit Meath, which will benefit Meath Tourism.
I have been a resident of Ashbourne for amost 20 years and have children of [Redacted_Personal Information] and [Redacted_Personal Information], wouldnt it be wonderful for them and all the community of Ashbourn to be able to walk, cycle or drive to a local park rather than having to travel much further afield for the priviledge. The Community and councillors of Ashbourne support and deserve this community park, it has been a long time coming, I sincerely ask the commitment that was made in January is not reneged on, that those who are trying to frustrate and interfere with delivering this are challenged and that at the end of the day the right thing is done.