Homeless shelter planned for Meath backed amid calls for community facilities
Homeless people are being “left out in the cold”, and a new proposal for a homeless shelter in Meath aims to address that urgent need, a Navan councillor has said.
Earlier this month, Meath County Council began the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) process for the derelict garage at the junction of the Kentstown and Metges roads in Navan.
The local authority said they plan to use the site for either a temporary homeless shelter.
At the time of the announcement, a spokesperson for Meath County Council said: “The intention would be to construct a purpose-built structure which would consist of up to 32 bedrooms and associated cooking, laundry, and support facilities to provide supported short and/or longer-term accommodation to single persons in advance of transitioning to a more permanent housing solution.”
Independent Councillor Alan Lawes said the process could take at least four years which would include the council assessing the land’s suitability.
A Part Eight planning application will then be required, which would need approval from councillors in Navan.
"I would be a hypocrite if I didn't fully support the proposal to build a homeless shelter on this site as every week I am dealing with homeless people being left out in the cold as there are no beds for them,” Cllr Lawes said.
The councillor who also runs a homeless outreach added: “I feel a well run shelter would cause absolutely no problem for local people.”
Since the proposal was made public, residents have expressed concerns on social media, arguing that Johnstown needs a community centre and other local facilities, and that the area has been neglected for over 20 years.
Cllr Lawes acknowledged these concerns while noting the challenges in providing facilities locally.
"It is true that the Council has failed to provide proper facilities for people in Johnstown. But there have been some efforts made to provide some facilities which have faced opposition from people living in Johnstown themselves.”
He cited several examples, including a proposed playground in Johnstown Wood and facilities in Cois Glaisin, both of which faced community opposition.
"There was a proposal to provide a playground in Johnstown Wood but the local people themselves didn't want it.”
“There is now a playground that was in the original plans for Cois Glaisin going ahead again facing opposition from local people as well.”
"But the biggest disappointment for me was when a fantastic proposal for a community centre playground football pitches and a running track was proposed by Johnstown FC in Johnstown Peoples Park but again was rejected…….by only one vote.”
“I have heard the calls loud and clear from all local people who want a community centre and other facilities in the area, especially since this proposal emerged,” he said.
“The best and quickest way to do that is to look again at Johnstown Football Club’s fabulous proposal.”
Cllr Lawes said he plans to call another EGM of Johnstown Peoples Park members in the new year to revisit the community centre proposal, while the homeless shelter process moves forward over the coming years.
He added that the homeless shelter is “urgently needed”, and a well-managed facility could address a "critical gap” in the local area without negatively affecting residents.
“This is about providing a safe place for people in crisis while continuing to work on much-needed facilities for the community,” Cllr Lawes said.