First phase of project advancing
FACILITY STILL IN FUNDING LIMBO
Wednesday September 30 2009
THE project to deliver a church and community facility in Kinsealy Melrose is still in funding limbo but the first phase of the project, which is less reliant on council funds, appears to be advancing.
According to the local authority discussions are at an ' advanced stage' with Swords Baptist Church for the development of phase one of a community and recreation complex for the Kinsealy/Melrose area. Phase one will comprise a church, which will also be available for 'appropriate community activities', according to the local authority. The initial phase of the project will also include a suite of meeting rooms.
Contract documents have been received by the local authority in relation to the acquisition of the site from the council, which will have to be approved by its elected members.
Resolving
The respective solicitors for both sides are currently in the course of resolving a number of details incorporated into the contract.
Phase two of the project, which will entail a sports hall and outdoor playing pitch, is included in the current council three-year capital programme but the council's ability to deliver on that programme is in considerable doubt due to funding constraints. The Kinsealy/Melrose Residents' Association has been one of the main drivers behind the project and locals have been waiting for a
. community facility like this one in the area for a long number of years.
The frustration of locals over the funding of the project was brought to the Malahide/Howth Area Committee by Cllr Peter Coyle (Lab), who renewed calls to advance the project not only for the people of Kinsealy/Melrose but also for new communities in nearby Drynam and Holywell.
- John MANNING
