‘Where are 160 kids going to go to school?’ - anger over 85-home development approved in Meath town
A Meath councillor has criticised the approval of an 85-home development beside The Belfry estate in Trim, amid strong objections from residents over road safety, infrastructure capacity and the impact on their community.
The proposed scheme, located off the Athboy Road, was submitted for planning last September and received approval on April 8. It has since sparked significant concern among residents of The Belfry and surrounding areas.
Aontú councillor Dave Boyne said key infrastructure issues have not been resolved and warned that existing systems are already under strain.
“The water infrastructure in this town does not have the capacity for another estate of this size. We all know more houses are needed, but it should go without saying that this is dependent on adequate infrastructure being in place first. Where are 160 more kids going to go to school?” he said.
“Where are the ramps we called for on the Athboy Road? How can emergency vehicles get into an estate already congested with cars on the original access road, which was too narrow to begin with?”
“There is another estate in the town which is already built and finished, but they can’t get the water connected. I am infuriated at this decision,” the Trim councillor said.
The application received more than 50 submissions, with many residents objecting to plans to route access to the new development through their existing estate, arguing that internal roads were not designed to handle additional through-traffic.
Some of the submissions stated that narrow estate roads will struggle to accommodate increased vehicle volumes, with fears over congestion, pedestrian safety and access for emergency services.
Locals also point out that the roads are currently used as informal play areas for children, which they say would no longer be safe if traffic increases significantly.
Other concerns include insufficient parking provision, lack of childcare facilities in an area already facing shortages, and limited open space within the development.
While a crèche is included in the plans, Cllr Boyne said it could lead to additional traffic congestion during peak times.
“This is not opposition to housing, but a call for responsible development that does not come at the expense of existing communities,” he added
Meath County Council granted permission subject to a wide range of planning conditions, including a reduction in the number of homes from 85 to 82.
The conditions require the childcare facility to be delivered in Phase One of the development, alongside the provision of public open space and landscaping works. A range of environmental, traffic and archaeological mitigation measures must also be implemented during construction.
Developers are also required to prepare construction environmental and waste management plans, comply with biodiversity protections, and implement measures relating to protected species including bats and hedgerows.
Meanwhile, contributions of over €500,000 will be payable towards roads, social infrastructure and surface water services, alongside a €296,000 security bond to ensure completion of roads, lighting, drainage and public spaces.