2021 Local Highlights
Remind yourself of some of 2021's local news. If you can't remember the story then click on the image to reveal more.
January
Green Kilometre Scheme.
Johnstown Tidy Towns could use your help to join in and maintain the several km of roadsides throughout our local neighbourhood.
The scheme invites individuals/groups to choose approximately a kilometre (or longer) stretch of road/loop in their area. The group or individual would then commit to maintaining the chosen stretch over the course of the year.
The council can supply some native trees, litter pickers, bags and gloves to all those participating and if you wish we can arrange for an adviser (when restrictions allow) to visit to give advice in relation to planting, care of heritage features etc.
Farganstown Development
Now that the new entry road and its junction at the Kentstown and Metges Roads appears to be complete the first of many planning applications has been submitted. Intended as a mixed development site it could potentially host up to 1,600 homes but few details are currently available.
Andrews Construction Ltd applied for planning permission, 8th January, to construct 95 homes in 1, 2 and 4 bed format with a mixture of building types, together with a creche on the 2.7 hectares / 27,000 sqm of land. Detailed Plans to illustrate where the development lies within Farganstown have not yet been made available online via the Meath Planning Department online portal Ref 2121
The application made can be viewed by contacting the Planning Department in writing (includes a €20 fee) within 5 weeks of the submission date or visit Buvinda House in person.
Fears that future road traffic within the immediate area has been of great concern to existing residents since that land was first earmarked for development.
New Bus Route Map
Transport For Ireland now have a Navan Bus Services map illustrating the new N1 & N2 local routes.
Changes to Alcohol Sales
New rules governing the sale of alcohol is applied nationally today in an effort to reduce our consumption and improve the nation's health.
The changes :
An end to discounted 'multi buy' offers.
Individual item discounts must last for more than 3 days.
Loyalty shopping points no longer earned on alcohol purchases and similarly loyalty vouchers cannot be used to purchase alcohol.
In-store barriers will screen off the section to limit exposure to younger people.
New Community Spaces
News reported in the Meath Chronicle that 'Five acres of land are to be set aside by the county council in its proposed development plan 2021-27 for the development of sports facilities in Johnstown.' is generally receiving positive reactions on local social media. However the comments suggest that people would like to see dates and plans before they get their hopes up.
Freezing Conditions
It's the coldest night we've ever experienced with the temperature in Johnstown dropping to -9.1°C in the early hours of the morning.
By 10am the temperature outside had only risen to a mere -5.4°C.
February
Much Longer Riverside Walk
New plans have been unveiled for the Boyne Greenway and Navigation Restoration. For Navan it means an extension for the Ramparts riverside walk, run or cycle as far as Drogheda! This will be a very big attraction for Navan for locals and tourism.
The earlier Feasibility Report highlighted the proposed route options and the next stage has commenced with a Non-Statutory Public Consultation.
Your feedback is welcomed and if everything goes smoothly the the work to connect the route could commence in 2022/23.
Johnstown School Campus Developements
Announced today that Coláiste na Mí and St Mary's Special School's have both received Tender Stage Approval for their respective building works from Minister Norma Foley.
The delay in getting theColáiste na Mí Secondary School Phase 2 extension built has resulted in many students using temporary buildings.
The new building for St Mary's Special School has been talked about for 30 years! The new planned home, within the Johnstown School Campus, will include 11 classrooms and associated ancillary accommodation to cater for pupils with a range of learning disabilities.
Due to the lack of onsite progress in creating these essential facilities social media comments suggest that no one is holding their breath that it will be built anytime soon. We hope that this is not the case.
Riverside Path Revived
As part of a 6 week project many visitors will appreciate the resurfacing works to the Ramparts Path.
The works are expected to be completed Mid March although the sections nearest Navan have already reopened.
River Turtle
They say that there's wildlife to see if you know where to look but who would have thought that it would include seeing a turtle at the Basin section of the Ramparts?
Meath River Rescue attempted to help but we're not sure if they succeeded.
New Local Walking Track
Navan RFC has opened up their pitches at Balreask Old for the public to use the perimeter of their grounds for walking and running in safety and fresh air.
See the MAP of the 1km route around Balreask Old.
New Street Signs
New signage is starting to appear ready to attract new players to Walterstown GAA Club when Covid Restriction measures allow.
Johnstown CCTV
The Meath Chronicle announced today that 7 locations are being proposed by Meath County Council for CCTV to deter crime and antisocial behaviour in Navan South.
The image map illustrates our interpretation of the following proposed locations:
The new cameras will be installed at:
Junction of R153 (Kentstown Rd) and Metges Road,
Johnstown Roundabout at SuperValu.
Johnstown Village.
Junction of R147 Dublin Road/Metges Road.
Opposite the Willows Pub.
Junction of R137 and Sion Road (NOTE: We presume they actually mean St Martha's Bridge at the Junction of Bothar Sion and R147).
Academy Street/R147 junction.
Social Housing
Meath County Council has submitted a planning application to An Bord Pleanála to create 84 social housing units in the Farganstown area.
Full details can be viewed here Planning Application
Farganstown Begins
The first Planning Application files for the Farganstown Development have now been made available online via the Meath Planning Department online portal - Link to Application Ref 2121.
Our illustration image highlights the site location adjacent to the St Thomas B&B, Caislean Mainear, and accessed via both the Old Road and from the new road junction at Metges and Kentstown Road.
March
Concern for the River Boyne
A planning proposal has attracted considerable public concern where a meat factory requests to be allowed to discharge treated water into the River Boyne near Stackallen Bridge (Google Map).
The Facebook Group Save the Boyne has amassed over 4,000 followers within a matter of days.
View Planning Application ref 41524
Navan Trees Felled Illegally
Cllr Fennessy reports that an investigation has begun into numerous trees discovered felled in Blackcastle Avenue, Navan.
Although the felled trees did not have 'Tree Preservation Orders' protecting them they are defined as a 'Stand of Trees to be Preserved' in the Navan Development Plan 2009-2015.
Also, being situated within the River Boyne and River Blackwater Special Area of Conservation all tree felling requires Planning Approval for removal.
The cutting or felling of trees is also prohibited during the period 1st March to 31st August every year with limited exceptions. (treecouncil.ie)
Help the Homeless in County Meath
Cllr Alan Lawes, with the support of Johnstown Tidy Towns and Inner City Helping Homeless, created the Navan Homeless Outreach Service at the start of the Covid Pandemic in March 2020. Check out the December 2020 video from the Meath Chronicle.
'We now want to launch a County Meath wide outreach service for the homeless but we can only do that with your help. We need volunteers from across the county.'
If you would like to volunteer with ICHHMEATH you can call me on 085 1757216 leaving your contact details. Please share across the County.' Cllr Alan Lawes
Babes Bridge
The Ramparts - Boyne River Group report that the RTÉ Nationwide program filmed at Babes Bridge, near Rowley's Lock on the Ramparts. for a show to air in April about the condition of the structure.
Built in 1210-1213 by the Normans it was the only bridge to survive a great flood in 1330 that washed away all the Boyne bridges from Trim to Drogheda.
Only one of the eleven arches remains of the bridge which once connected across to Donaghmore.
Flood Proof Path
The Ramparts - Boyne River Facebook Page reports that the section of path frequently washed away by the canal overflowing near the Boyne Road car park bridge is finally resolved.
Navan Orchard Proposal
Wild About Navan are offering residents and estate groups the opportunity to increase biodiversity within 5km radius of Navan.
' This project is a combination of three biodiversity actions outlined in the upcoming Navan Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP):
Creating a dispersed orchard;
Planting native trees; and,
Promoting the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan. '
Cycle projects for Navan in 2021
Navan Cycling Initiative have produced a review of Navan's proposed cycle network.
Johnstown Tidy Towns has made an offer to the Council if they stop using weedkiller on Johnstown's main roads.
Plastic Bottle Ban
We're delighted to see local clubs planning ahead for the return to sports and especially when the can implement new policies that benefit our environment.
Walterstown GFC have now banned plastic drinks bottles in an effort to reduce plastic waste in the community.
Please bring your own reusable bottles.
April
North Bank Boyne Path Closed
News is spreading that the access routes leading to the River Boyne north bank path, on the Blackcastle Demesne side, have been closed off. The land all along the north bank is private property, hence we've not previously mentioned the trail.
The area recently closed off is in addition to the sections of the riverside path leading from Flower Hill and also opposite Rowley's Lock which have both been shut for a considerable period of time, and both have clear Private Property signs.
Fishermen do have certain access but during lock down it has offered local people the opportunity to exercise and experience the River's natural beauty.
Hopefully, the Council will intervene to reach a deal with the landowner to allow public access and cover Public Liability Insurance. It is also hoped that with the latest housing development that there will be access to this magnificent natural feature in the near future.
School Supports Seeds
St Stephen's National School offered support to Johnstown Tidy Towns with space to germinate their 500+ sunflowers seeds.
Students will water the seedlings until it's time to plan them at the the end of May and create the Johnstown Sunflower Trail
Putting things into Perspective!
Students of Coláiste Na Mí Secondary School shared some of their playful work with perspective during photography class.
Potential New Roundabout for Johnstown.
Cllr Emer Tóibín reports that Meath County Council are designing a mini roundabout for the busy junction opposite Cois Glaisin linking Johnstown Village with Metges Rd.
This may reduce traffic congestion and stop the Cois Glaisín estate being used as a shortcut.
Wildlife Care
Ireland's only wildlife hospital, which opened recently behind the Tara Na Rí pub in Garlow Cross, asks the well intentioned public to NOT bring them animals that are not injured or abandoned.
Read their newspaper article in the Irish Examiner which explains more.
Tulip Ring
Many of the Johnstown Tidy Towns Spring Bulbs have appeared. Students returning to the Johnstown Campus will see the tulip ring on the roundabout.
If you've ideas and the energy then contact Johnstown Tidy Towns about developing this area into a feature.
What's it going to BEE?
Johnstown Tidy Towns have made good use of unwanted garden soil by creating a wildflower strip at the corner of the Johnstown People's Park.
They've asked for anyone with surplus soil or waste 'used' compost to get in touch.
Socially Distant Littering!
The Athlumney Riverside Trail should be filling with Spring flowers but the sight of heavy littering greets your eyes.
A large number of wrappers and plastic bottles are being dropped along the raised trail paths but it's nothing compared to the glass bottles and beer cans strewn through the 'meeting' areas near the river.
Please leave nature as it was intended - Litter Free.
'Egg'celent Donation
The Team at Smith's SuperValu donated their staff easter eggs to charity this year. The business matched the donation and Johnstown Tidy Towns will be distributing these to the homeless and those families in food poverty within the coming days.
May
Jack's Half Marathon in memory of Evan
Surpassing their Fundraising target of €3,500 a team of runners took to our local streets to raise awareness of Pieta House's' vision for a world where suicide, self-harm and stigma are replaced by hope, self-care and acceptance.
Navan Parklets Approved
Navan Councillor Yemi Adenuga announced that the motion has been passed at the Navan Municipal District meeting asking for outdoor seating areas to replace certain car parking spaces in Navan town to support local businesses.
Charity Donation Vote Results
Voting has ended and the 5 winners of this year's €3,000 donation from Navan County Cllr Alan Lawes Councilor Discretionary Fund 2021 can be viewed here.
Johnstown Winner
Great excitement at Mace in Old Johnstown Village after hearing that they sold the €500,000 winning ticket in Friday's Euro Millions draw.
There's sure to be a happy family locally.
Hot School Dinners Axed
The withdrawal of the Community Employment Scheme, which has supplied staff for 16 years, brings an end to hot school meals for Johnstown's St Mary's Special Needs School in September.
Johnstown's Sunflower Trail makes Headlines
Johnstown Tidy Towns vision for a trail of sunflowers this summer makes headlines in this week's Meath Chronicle.
Ramparts New Seating
It's been a long time coming but we can finally enjoy the scenery from bench seating along the Ramparts path.
Made in Ireland ✔️
Recycled Material ✔️
Beautiful View ✔️
Please ensure that you leave only footprints and keep nature as it's meant to be - Litter Free.
Darkness into Light 2021
Ten's of thousands woke to see the sunrise for the annual Pieta House fundraiser raising awareness of suicide prevention.
More links to services here
Great New Coffee Shop
A warm welcome this morning from Audrey and her team at the recently opened Studio Brew in Old Johnstown Village. They have a special sunrise opening this Saturday 8th May for Darkness into Light 4.30am-6.30am and donating 50% of proceeds bought in those hours to DIL Pieta House Charity.
Opening hours Mon - Fri 7.30am to 1.30pm
Sat & Sun 9.30am to 1.30pm inc. Bank Holidays at Haven Studios
Clean Sweep
Weeds and paths cleared along Metges Road today by Johnstown Tidy Towns. Determined to see that weedkiller is not required to maintain the paths they're calling on volunteers to help.
Fifty50 Relocating
After a number of years successfully dining local residents, Fifty50 are getting ready to reopen in Navan town centre, replacing Flame on Kennedy Plaza.
We wish them good fortune and also hope that we'll have a new venue reopen above Taylor's Of Johnstown.
Football Returns To The Peoples Park
With a great sense of pride and excitement members of Johnstown FC together with community volunteers cleaned up the park ready for their first training session.
Great to see the community support this facility.
Free public WIFI now in Navan Town Centre
Users will be able to access the network by switching on the Wi-Fi on their device and joining the WIFI4EU network.
Primary School Has Swift Boxes Installed
With Help from Birdwatch Ireland Meath Branch and W.Monaghan's Tree Services Swift nest boxes have been installed at St. Anne's Primary School on Fair Green.
Look to the skies to welcome the Swifts home to Navan later this month.
June
Cycle Lane Study
Meath County Council announces a 2-month traffic management trial of a filtered permeability scheme for cyclists and pedestrians on Convent Road in Navan.
New NCT Centre
Good news for motorists due their NCT with the announcement that from Monday July 5th a new test centre opens in Navan.
Also, as from June 21st On-Board Diagnostics System will form part of the test.
Find Out More HERE
Cycle Lane Cleaned
Dave and Ed from Navan Cycle Initiative help Johnstown Tidy Towns to clean Bothar Sion's cycle lane of weeds.
Natural Wildflowers
The Orchard Estate, near Johnstown, has made great strives to help biodiversity aover the year. The natural wild area on their green lawn has a new plant in flower.
'Here's the latest pleasant surprise at The Orchard....its a Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) growing in the meadow on the Orchard's green. (In truth, orchids have been anything but 'common' after years of mowing so its a delight to see it making a come back after just 2 years without mowing).
Wonder what else will appear? '
Edible Coffee Cups
Taylor's Coffee Shack now offers customers edible coffee cups.
Pop in and try the bonus snack with your drink.
Enthusiastic gardeners
Students at St Mary's Special School in Old Johnstown Village planted out Sunflowers to join the Johnstown Tidy Towns Summer Trail. When the school returns in August the flowers should be in full bloom.
Growing Long
The verge bank at Spire View Lawns is being managed by residents to benefit wildlife. Neatly mowed around its perimeter the natural wildflowers are starting to appear. The intention is not to mow the area until late autumn and only once a year. The grass should start to die off as the soil's nutrients are depleted to be replaced with a natural native wildflower meadow. It's a long process but it should reap huge benefits for biodiversity.
Cycle Day
A great socially distant turnout for Navan Cycling Initiative's Family Cycle Summer 2021.
Flower Display Returns
This year Johnstown Tidy Towns have created a pollinator- friendly display on St Martha's Bridge.
Included amongst the few bedding plants you'll find Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano, Chives, and Strawberries!
80% of the display will be replanted to extend the display at Athlumney Hall, Metges Road in Autumn.
They already have plans for next year with 100% pollinator plants and 100% reuse.
New bollards are not working
We confirmed for ourselves this morning that the newly installed barriers do not prevent delivery vehicles from parking on the pavement, and next to the pedestrian crossing, outside the Johnstown Shopping Centre.
Clean-Up Continues
Weeds that would otherwise be sprayed with poisonous chemicals continue to be removed manually by Johnstown Tidy Towns Volunteers.
They report that 90% of the pavements have now had at least one visit removing in excess of 10 wheelbarrow loads of weeds.
School Garden
Ard Ri Primary School increased its planting with a donation from Johnstown Tidy Towns.
Partial Solar Eclipse
Between this morning's clouds we caught a glimpse of the moon passing in front of the sun.
Balrath Woods Reopen
After a long closure the woods have finally reopened to the public.
It has been reported that all the play equipment has been removed - perhaps for Covid reasons?
Please note the new double yellow lines on the road outside the official car park.
Rooftop Dining
O'Briens Pub and Restaurant in Old Johnstown Village are getting set to open their new heated outdoor rooftop dining.
Call 0469020555 for reservations or WhatsApp text your details to 0863965096 and they will get back to you.
Clean Edge Resumes
In the fine weatherJohnstown Tidy Towns have resumed the edging of verges along the main roads to remove the need for the Council to use weedkiller.
Read about their project in our article here.
Slow Down
6 speed tables were installed at the end of May to slow traffic in Old Johnstown Village.
Taylor's Ice Cream
With this lovely sunshine the ice cream is going down a treat at Taylor's new Coffee Shack.
July
What a Character
Ray Sherlock, one of Ireland’s top caricaturists, admires his work now on display on the walls of The Old Bridge Inn.
Record Breaker
The nearest station on the Weather Underground App records 31 degrees in North Navan.
Thirsty Plants
If you use plastic drinks bottles then the Tidy Towns group will show you how to use them to water your garden plants more quickly and efficiently.
Flowers for Johnstown
Beechmount Garden Centre donated 100's of Geraniums and Lobelia plants to the Tidy Towns group and all are used within the day by residents groups.
Wild Colours
Near the southern entrance of the Johnstown People's Park, Metges Road, the wildflowers planted by the Tidy Towns group has now erupted in colour and is attracting pollinators.
Keeping People Safe
"As our communities open back up, it is important we remain vigilant and keep our guard up to fight the spread of the virus within our community.
To help with this, Smiths SuperValu are donating cases of sanitisers to Johnstown Tidy Towns who will distribute these to those who need it in our community.
Stay Safe. "
Opening Monday 19th
We're delighted that the derelict building on Metges Road will soon host a new store breathing life into the former swimming pool space.
10 Locations
One-third of the Sunflower Trail locations are now growing 80 plants as part of Johnstown Tidy Towns Summer SunflowerTrail.
New Road Traffic
The new Farganstown access road comes into use today for vehicles exiting the old Athlumney Road.
Initially, it's only ONE WAY southbound traffic from the new roundabout to the Kentstown /Metges Road junction.
Wild Cycle Trail
Navan Cycling Initiative teamed up with Wild About Navan to create a new self-guided Living Heritage Audio Tour.
Discover more HERE
August
Fence Vandalised
Possibly connected to the bridge flower basket vandalism the section of the fence opposite Athlumney Abbey junction was destroyed. Although the damage is considerable it is understood that the fence timber was fairly rotten.
Perhaps it's time to take the entire fence down?
New Local Environmental Website
Wild About Navan launch their new website wildaboutnavan.ie and 'hope to encourage locals and visitors to seek out natural spaces in Navan; to use our parks and riverside walks as places to unwind and re-energize while celebrating and protecting our woodlands, hedgerows, rivers, and the wildlife that lives alongside us.'
Back to School
Many parents will be preparing for school to restart and buying new uniforms, school bags, and equipment.
The JTT collected supplies provided by Inner City Helping Homelessto distribute 'back to school packs' to many children in less fortunate circumstances.
Pride Of Place
Entered into the Best New Entrant, Best Large Town, and Actions for Pollinators, Johnstown Tidy Towns have this year made their first entry into the National Competition and today showcased their work to a visiting judge.
Pollinator Projects
Johnstown Tidy Towns have erected street posters to promote their involvement in supporting biodiversity throughout the neighbourhood.
Not all the locations are as colourful as the Bothar Sion Fence Line but each is vital to supporting insects and wildlife.
Local Alerts
Meath County Council invites you to sign up to receive free alerts and updates on roads, water, planning, community or severe weather emergencies.
Visit www.mapalerter.ie/meath.
New Studio Opens
Scully Therapy Clinic today opened a new studio joining FeelFit Gyms and Spun Cycles on Metges Road.
You'll definitely be in the hands of a professional since Evan Scully has a client history of assisting Olympics athletes.
More information on the website www.Scullytherapyclinic.com and Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/STCevan
First Sunflowers Appear
The Johnstown Tidy Towns Sunflower Trail flowers are starting to show around the neighbourhood. Keep an eye out at 23 sites along an 8km trail.
September
Hit and Run
'Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to a hit and run incident that occurred between 16:45 and 16:55 on Sunday the 26th Sept in Athlumney Woods, Navan.
2 teenage boys were knocked down and suffered minor injuries. The only information on the car involved was that it was grey in colour. If anyone came upon the incident and have dash cam footage or can help in any way please contact the gardai on 0469021445. '
Navan A&E at Risk Of Closure Again.
Downgrading and limited opening hours are on the cards.
Sunflowers Bloom Across Johnstown
The JTT Sunflowers have bloomed at most of the 19 locations along their 8km Trail.
Public Demonstration
Seeking the building of the Navan to Dublin Rail line Meath on Track urged the public to attend 1pm Kennedy Plaza, Navan..
Navan Bike Fest 2021
Navan Cycling Initiative supported by Navan Road Club began Bike Week with a Family Cycle from Colaiste Na Mi Secondary School and around Navan.
Bogus Door-2-Door Clothing Collectors
A recent spate of junk mail flyers across the neighbourhood are trying their hardest to pull at your heartstrings. Unfortunately their holier-than-thou messages are likely to be Bogus.
There are many official drop-off outlets within Navan or contact Johnstown Tidy Towns.
Authorised Collectors https://www.nwcpo.ie/permitsearch.aspx
Charity Register https://www.charitiesregulator.ie/.../search-the-register...
Bridge Weeding
Volunteers continue to manually tackle unwanted weeds without resorting to chemicals.
In preparation for Bike Week 2021 they need more help to clear the main roads and cycle paths.
Recycling Bin Changes
Householders can now place all plastic packaging waste, including soft plastic, into the recycling bin once it is clean, dry and loose.
A Draft Urban Design Plan
For Flowerhill & Abbeylands, Navan is available at http://consult.meath.ie/.../draft-flowerhill-abbeylands....
Observations or submissions must be received by 4.00pm on Friday 24th of September 2021. Full details on how to make a submission are available at the above link.
Navan's History
Want to learn more about Navan's Past then Navan and District Historical Society have published their 6th edition book.
Available from Tierney's Newsagents, Navan for €15 or €20 hardback.
October
Monster Rally
Save Navan Hospital Campaign host a public protest gathering 1pm Saturday Oct 30th at Meath Enterprise Centre, Trim Road.
More Details on their Facebook Page Save Navan Hospital.
Not As Clean As We'd Like
Navan has improved its ranking in the latest litter survey by Irish Business Against Litter.
We've moved up from 34th place to 29th this year out of the 40 places surveyed. We're still however classed as being 'Moderately Littered'.
The Johnstown area reflects the same general report comments with food wrappers, drink bottles, and PPE waste making up the majority of the litter.
Read the reports www.ibal.ie
Plans To Close Navan A&E Temporarily Paused
The HSE has been instructed by Minister Stephen Donnelly to pause all plans for the closure of the A&E at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan.
A pause is however not a guarantee that the plans will not be re-engaged.
More in the Meath Chronicle's article.
November
45km Cycle
Undeterred by the cold weather Navan Road Club and their Junior Riders were accompanied by Imogen Cotter, the Irish National Road Champion on a 45 Km cycle followed by a talk in Colaiste Na Mi.
More photos https://www.facebook.com/NavanRoadClub/posts/7323105617714583
JTT Volunteer of The Year
Johnstown Tidy Towns Volunteer of the Year 2021 is Robin Marshall
Myself as Chairman of Johnstown Tidy Towns and on behalf of our other two committee members Dave and Peter and all our Volunteers. Would like to take this opportunity to say congratulations to Robin on his well deserved award sponsored by Smiths SuperValu as our volunteer of the year 2021.
This was our most successful year to date winning four awards and Robin was the main driving force behind our entries into the Pride of Place competition and the Tidy Towns itself.
Congratulations again.
Alan Lawes.Chairman of Johnstown Tidy Towns.
Walk On Wednesday's
This year St Stephens are working towards the fourth Green Schools flag, the travel flag.
The School has asked every child who can to take part in our W.O.W. days (Walk on Wednesdays). The great news is they can walk, cycle or scoot to school.
Wednesday the 24th of November will be the official launch of the school‘s very first W.O.W day. Throughout the year they want every Wednesday to be a W.O.W. day.
The children are working together to make the school a greener school.
Travel Safely!
The Green School Committee
Johnstown Education Campus to move to the next stage
It's been on the cards for such a long time that it's really good news to hear progress is being made and that completion could be within the next 2 years.
The Meath Chronicle reports that 'Contractors on the long-awaited second phase of the Johnstown Education campus in Navan are expected to be officially appointed in the coming weeks '
Read the Meath Chronicle Article
New Plans for the Athlumney Centre
2 takeaways and a community room appear alongside 2 apartment blocks in the recently submitted planning application for the redevelopment of the Athlumney Centre site on Metges Road.
View the planning application files on the MCC Planning portal
Ardboyne Hotel Makeover
Our Local Hotel announce that their rooms have recently undergone transformations and updates,
Meath All Stars Visit Walterstown GFC
All Ireland champions and Meath LGFA stars Sarah Powderly, Orlaith Duff and Aoife Farrell took the Brendan Martin Cup to Walterstown. Signing autographs, posing for pictures, and even presenting the U11's with their end of year medals, certs and goodie bags!
More Pictures on Facebook Page
Tidy Towns Award
Our Johnstown Volunteers gained recognition at today's National Tidy Towns Awards. This is the groups second time to win an 'Endeavour Award' for the County Meath group gaining the largest leap in points. Congratulations to the volunteers on their 5.88% increase which was hard earned during these unprecedented times.
It's Not a Sofa!
Nestling besides the main pitch this isn't a comfy winter seat for spectators.
Walterstown GFC play host to the compost pile for Johnstown Tidy Towns. This is a pilot project to recycle turf cuttings and leaf collection for use back in the community next year. The soil beneath the sheet will be used for planting areas planned for Metges Road whilst the leaves, decomposing in black bags, will make a good medium for sowing wildflowers and to place around trees to reduce the need for weedkiller use.
Pride Of Place 2021
Meath County Council hosted the annual awards at Buvinda House recognising the great work being undertaken by individuals and groups within the Navan Municipal District.
Congratulations to everyone who makes the extra effort to enhance our community and environment.
View the winners for the Navan Municipal District https://www.meath.ie/council/news/pride-of-place-navan-municipal-district-awards-night-2021
Planning Appeal
Local objections to 95 homes granted planning permission in the new Farganstown area has been appealed to An Bord Pleanala.
The site is on the left of the new access road as far as the roundabout.
View planning application here http://www.eplanning.ie/MeathCC/AppFileRefDetails/2121/0
December
Views From Santa's Sleigh
Check out aerial drone footage of festive Johnstown at night. See Meath_Photography video clips on Instagram.
N1 and N2 Bus Stops Completed.
Meath County Council announce that 53 new wheelchair-accessible bus stops and refurbishment work to 13 existing bus stops within the town has also been completed.
Santaboxes Delivered
100's of presents collected by the Meath Christmas Shoe Box Appeal For Disadvantaged Children were delivered by local volunteers over the weekend.
Car Clamping
Cars seeking parking spaces should be warned that the car clamping company operating in the Johnstown Shopping Centre is active.
Metges Road Sparkles
Santa arrives to view the switching on of Johnstown Tidy Towns Winter Lighting feature on the Bailis Downs Green.
Aviva Experience
A fantastic experience for Navan RFC u12B team who played at the Aviva Stadium during half time of the Leinster vs Bath game.
More photo's on Navan RFC Facebook Page
Christmas Hamper Deliveries
Volunteers with Johnstown Tidy Towns delivered 40 Food Hampers within the Navan Area to families in food poverty.
Old Johnstown Calendar 2022
Photos of Old Johnstown Village through the years with all funds raised going towards keeping the village looking it's best.
€5 each via Loretta 0863716719 or Frances 0862610871
Johnstown Sunset
Meath Photography captured this stunning sunset. See their Facebook page for many more familiar sights.
€100 Off First Electricity Bill Of 2022
The government will give every home in the country €100 credit to help reduce the impact of rising electricity bills.
Storm Barra
Schools close as Meath is placed under Orange Wind Weather Warning, and set to turn to the highest Red level between 8am and 1pm.
Batten down the hatches.
Village Decorations
Old Johnstown Village Community Group make the village festive.