Call for historic cottage to become part of Ashbourne library as council seeks community proposals
Community organisations in Ashbourne are being invited to submit Expressions of Interest to take on and develop Ned Nulty’s Cottage, a 200-year-old building recently restored by Meath County Council for community use.
However, some local representatives believe the property should remain under council control and form part of the town’s library service rather than being allocated to an outside group.
Ned’s Cottage has been refurbished following remedial works designed to preserve its distinctive character and prepare it for community activity.
Officials are now seeking “innovative and sustainable proposals” from local organisations that can use the space for the benefit of residents in Ashbourne and the surrounding area.
Ashbourne Fine Gael councillor Alan Tobin said elected members had been “adamant” that the council take ownership of the property and ensure it remains in public hands.
“The cottage is one of the oldest in the town,” he said. “From old maps, we could tell that Ned’s Cottage existed when the lease was signed to establish the town of Ashbourne. It has huge historical relevance.”
“Councillors have been adamant that we want the council to run it as a community space that’s part of the library service, rather than handing it over to a group. We don’t want it to become a commercial space or a coffee shop.”
Cllr Tobin said the library is one of Ashbourne’s most successful public amenities and should act as the link to ensure the cottage is open and accessible.
“My fear is that if we allow a group with an expression of interest to take over the cottage, it won’t be fully utilised by the community,” he said.
“The library is for everyone — we’d like to see the cottage used for community meetings or music sessions.”
The council’s call for EOIs invites groups to submit a comprehensive proposal outlining their organisational structure, proposed use of the property, management and operational plan, financial sustainability plan, and relevant experience.
Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of council representatives, with shortlisted groups potentially invited to interview.
An initial lease of 24 months is envisaged, with formal reviews after 12 and 24 months. EOIs must be submitted electronically by November 30, 2025 through Meath County Council’s website.
Meanwhile, Cllr Tobin cautioned that maintaining a 200-year-old property would be “a huge task for someone looking after a 200 year old building.”
“There’s a huge dent in available community spaces,” he said.
“We’re building houses but not matching them with the amenities people need. Ashbourne is the second-largest town in Meath, yet the council doesn’t own much in terms of community assets here.”
“This is the third time the local authority has put out an expression of interest. All councillors have said repeatedly that we want the council to retain the building as a public asset. I’m delighted to see progress, but it should be managed through the library service — I don’t think that’s a big ask.”