MEET THE PEOPLE OF NEWGRANGE
WHILE the new look Bru na Boinne centre opens this Thursday, the ongoing issues in relation to development around the area is something local councillor Paddy Meade feels must be tackled.
Accordingly, he wrote to Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran TD, Minister of State for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief and Brendan Griffin TD, Minister of State for the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, who will jointly officially open the new Visitor Experience, asking that they meet local residents.
‘ This coming Thursday morning will be a wonderful moment for the area of Newgrange and Bru na Boinne when the revamped Interpretative Centre re-opens. I certainly intend to be in attendance to celebrate and recognise the great work done on what is a world famous centre.
‘But behind the glamour of the new look Bru na Boinne, the people who make up this community so close to our ‘Wonder of the World’ face an uncertain future and in recent months, I have spoken to many of them. There are families who have been here for generations who fear what the years ahead will bring.
‘Very stringent rules in relation to development - especially homes - is driving people out of the area. The farming community is coming under pressure with new rules set to diminish their herds even further.
The local roads need to be upgraded to meet the demands that the centre needs to bring people here safely.
These ordinary people, who farm these lands in the shadow of our Royal County jewel, need a voice and they need our political leaders to listen to them,’ he stated.