Lots of great ideas generated at Ashbourne Community Initiative

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Helen McEntee, has described the Ashbourne Community Initiative held last Friday’s (May 10th) in the Pillo Hotel as a very positive event, adding that she hopes many of the ideas generated at the meeting can be brought to fruition.

“There was a great spread of people from across the community at the Initiative, including business owners, retail organisations, sports groups, the Historical Society and local residents including members of the Eastern European community, who all got together to come up with good ideas on putting Ashbourne’s best foot forward. A number of local representatives were also present including my Fine Gael colleagues Deputy Regina Doherty and Cllr Maria Murphy.

“The event was akin to a big brainstorming session, with each table given the task of coming up with new ideas for Ashbourne. There was a great level of engagement and discussion amongst all groups and lots of positive ideas were generated.

“Ashbourne is a fantastic place in which to live and do business, and our challenge is to spread this message as far as possible, so the town can attract more visitors. Its proximity to both the motorway and the airport means Ashbourne is extremely accessible. Tayto Park has been a huge success, with thousands of visitors every year, but there is clearly a need to entice more of these people into the town itself.

“A number of committees will be set up in a bid to realise the main aims set by the Community Initiative, which including developing a cycle track in the town, improving signage to attract people into Ashbourne, exploring the possibility of hosting a multi-cultural Christmas festival, and improving the development of outdoor space in the town.

“There was a great sense of realism in the room on Friday night; everyone understands there isn’t an endless pot of money to spend, but at the same that doesn’t mean we should rest on our laurels. With a little innovation and community spirit, a lot can be achieved. Ashbourne already has such a lot to offer; we just have to make sure we are using and developing the town’s best assets.

“The Community Initiative was an extremely worthwhile exercise, and I have no doubt it will help to generate real change. There was a really encouraging level of community spirit at work. I hope there will be many similar events in the future, and I would like to commend all of the groups involved in putting the initiative together.

“I want to help Ashbourne to realise its full potential, and do all I can to make the town an even greater place in which to live, work, shop and visit.”