€620,000 boost to transform one of Slane’s Historic ‘four sisters’ into community hub for Meath
A landmark property in Meath is set for a major revival following the allocation of over €620,000 under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
Clonkeenan House of Slane village is to be transformed into a new arts and community hub, with the funding supporting detailed design and planning for the restoration and adaptive reuse of the period building, which Meath County Council purchased last year.
Once completed, the initiative will deliver not only a restored historic house but also a park and community garden on the grounds, creating an accessible and vibrant new public space for Slane.
Welcoming the announcement, Education Minister and Meath East Fine Gael TD, Helen McEntee, described the development as “fantastic” news for the area.
“This project will focus on the regeneration and re-use of the house and land, bringing them back to life and creating a new arts and community hub,” she said.
“I’m delighted to support this project. Well done to our local councillors, Wayne Harding and Paddy Meade, and the local authority for purchasing this house.”
“This will be such an exciting development for the village of Slane and surrounding areas.”
Clonkeenan House is one of Slane’s historic “Four Sisters”, a group of four near-identical Georgian homes dating from the 1700s that frame the crossroads at the heart of the village.
Fianna Fáil Councillor Wayne Harding, who has been closely involved with the project for years, also welcomed the news.
“This is a significant milestone for Slane and for everyone who has supported this vision,” he said.
“The €620,000 announced will allow us to map out the future usage of the house and garden for generations to come.”
“There will now be a period of consultation with the local community to ensure the project delivers the greatest possible benefit to the people of Slane and its environs.”
The Clonkeenan House initiative forms part of a wider effort to revitalise and protect the architectural and cultural character of Slane, while also providing much-needed community facilities.
The completed hub is expected to host arts programmes, workshops, events, and social enterprises, while offering green space and garden access for the wider community.
Meanwhile, Meath East Fianna Fáil TD Thomas Byrne said: “This is what rural regeneration looks like — investment, creativity, and pride of place.”