Bishop denies €50k funding for Meath school over 'significant obligations'
The school had provisionally received funding approval up to a maximum of €50,000 from Meath County Council under the CLÁR programme (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais).
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Irish Independent
2 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Call for a public holiday to honour St. Colmcille in Meath
Also known as St. Columba, St. Colmcille is regarded as Ireland's third patron saint, alongside St. Patrick and St. Brigid. The proposal put forward by Councilor Sean Drew at the July meeting of Meath County Council initially suggested that a public holiday would not only commemorate Colmcille's legacy but also recognise his connection to Meath. The Fianna Fáil councillor said: 'We have three national saints in Ireland and only two of them are recognised. St. Colmcille was a Christian and he had a strong connection to the county.' The name Colmcille translates from Irish as 'Dove of the Church.' Many historical sites across the northwest and east of Ireland are associated with him, including Gleann Cholm Cille, Toraigh, Kells, and Swords. Cllr Drew, who represents the Kells district added: 'We are below the EU average of public holidays. My principle behind this is to get a public holiday in honour of Colmcille.' Ireland had nine bank holidays until St Brigid's Day was introduced in 2023. Independent Councillor Noel French spoke in support of the motion, noting that St. Colmcille's influence extends far beyond Ireland. Born in Gartan, County Donegal in 521 AD, Colmcille was a key figure in spreading Christianity across Ireland and Scotland. He is also recognised as the patron saint of Derry, which in Irish is Doire Cholmcille, meaning 'oakwood of Colmcille.' Meanwhile Councillor Peter Caffrey suggested adding the celebration of St Colmcille to St Patrick's day. The mayor of Navan, Padraig Fitzsimons said a new bank holiday would not be 'fair' to businesses. He said: 'It will be a huge cost to business at a time where a lot of businesses are struggling. I think it is going to be unfair on them.' ADVERTISEMENT Councillor Gerry O'Connor proposed renaming the June bank holiday in Colmcille's honour. In response, Cllr. Drew indicated flexibility with the proposal, saying: 'My main purpose was to get a day named after him.' The amended motion was unanimously agreed upon by the councillors present at the meeting. St. Colmcille died on 9 June, 597, in Iona, an island off the coast of Scotland where he established a monastic community. Today, many schools, churches, and GAA clubs across Ireland are named after him
Irish Independent
12 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Rejection of Meath social housing proposal slammed as 'disappointing'
At a recent district meeting, local councillors voted to reject a Part 8 residential development submitted by Meath County Council, which aimed to deliver 79 social housing units on the outskirts of the town. The proposal was turned down due to concerns over the absence of affordable housing options within the plan. The project was criticised for lacking a balanced housing mix that would address both social and affordable housing needs. At the July meeting of Meath County Council, Cllr Nick Killian voiced his concerns following the vote, saying the decision has implications beyond Ashbourne. The councillor who represents Ratoath said: 'It doesn't just affect Ashbourne…79 families that could have been housed will not be housed anymore. It is extremely disappointing.' 'We lost 79 houses that people could have been living in a lot earlier,' the Independent councillor added. The vote at district level had been split 3–3, but the proposal was ultimately rejected when Chairperson Tormey cast the deciding vote against it. Among the councillors who supported the development was Cllr Amanda Smith, who said she would 'love to see 79 people coming off the social housing waiting list.' Cllr Killian appealed to his Ashbourne colleagues, asking that if the matter returns to the council, it be reconsidered. The rejection means the Council will now need to revisit its plans for delivering social housing in the area. According to Meath County Council's July Management Report, the local authority received 233 applications for social housing, 88 were approved for the housing list, while 37 were deemed unsuccessful.
Irish Independent
18-06-2025
- Irish Independent
Bishop denies €50k funding for Meath school over 'significant obligations'
Parent representatives from Ballinlough National School in Co. Meath are 'disappointed' following news from the local Bishop that funding for major developments would have to be denied due to 'significant obligations'. The school had provisionally received funding approval up to a maximum of €50,000 from Meath County Council under the CLÁR programme (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais). Related topics Louise Hickey
