New hall for Rathnew moves a step closer

August 2009

THE construction of a new community hall to replace St. Brigid’s Hall in Rathnew moved a step closer this week when An Bord Pleanála turned down an appeal against planning.

Rathnew Community Centre Ltd will now be able to plough ahead, with plans to demolish the old hall and replace it with a state-of-the-art community facility.

Chairperson Eibhlin Kinsella admitted the Hall Committee were ‘giddy with excitement’ when they first got news of An Bord Pleanála’s decision.

‘It was certainly a champagne moment. As soon as we heard An Bord Pleanála had turned down the objections we organised a quick meeting on Thursday, which was very much a feel-good affair,’ says Eibhlin.

Initially, Wicklow County Council had given the green light for the demolition of the building dating back to the 1930s, to be replaced with a new 430 sq. metre community centre complete with computer rooms, offices, hall and all other associated works and additional parking. There are also plans for a childcare centre on the ground floor.

However, the Hall Committee was forced to await the verdict of an appeal to An Bord Pleanála against the granting of planning permission.

‘It’s been a nervous enough wait but hopefully now we can fly ahead with the plans,’ says a relived Eibhlin.

Rathnew Community Centre Ltd has been on the go and raising funds for the new hall for the past four years after ownership of St Brigid’s Hall was passed on to Eibhlin and her cohorts by the church. It’s estimated that the new building will cost in the region of €500,000 to €750,000.

‘We have already raised some funds but we need to get some grants,’ explains Eibhlin. ‘It’s probably not the best time. There hasn’t been any lotto funding for over 12 months now.

‘We are looking at other avenues and will also be organising future fundraisers. It will be a state-of-the-art facility that will benefit the whole community.’