Further info sought on Kinnegad hospital plans

Meath County Council is seeking further information from a development consortium regarding its plans to build a major new Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) hospital at Hardwood, Kinnegad.Jepp Developments Limited - a consortium of developers, architects, business people and medical professionals - was asked for further details about its proposed facility on Friday last.On July 15, Jepp Ltd notified Meath County Council of its plans to build a new €60 million ABI rehabilitation centre of excellence outside Kinnegad, with the potential to bring hundreds of jobs to the area, both in the construction of the buildings, and the running of the facility.If it successfully navigates the planning phase, the new 17,000 square metre complex will feature rehabilitation zones for 75 patients, and respite accommodation for a further 35 people.The hospital would also include consultants' rooms, treatment areas; indoor and outdoor recreational facilities including a swimming pool, gymnasium, stables, kennels, pony trekking facilities, gardens and recreational areas; a mortuary, and meditation rooms; six acres of forestry, and car parking facilities.Two third-party submissions have been made to Meath County Council with regard to the proposal, in the names of John and Anna Flanagan, Hardwood, Clonard, and Rybo Partnership, c/o Stephen Little and Associates, Latin Hall, Golden Lane, Dublin 8.Work on Coralstown church plannedA Westmeath construction firm recently began work on the renovation of St. Finian's Church, Clonard, which is located in Kinnegad Parish.Kelly Brothers of Rosemount will look after the main part of the restoration project, which is expected to take 31 weeks to complete, at a cost of just under €892,000.The south Westmeath firm won the contract for the work after a competitive tender process, and set up on site early last month.Among the works which will be carried out are: the complete repair, refurbishment and decoration of the protect wrought iron railings, resurfacing of the driveway, the construction of a new sacristy, the reconstruction of the roof, the basement and boiler compartment; the retention and decoration of the existing timber ceiling; the installation of new stained glass windows, the replacement of furniture, the construction of a new concrete floor, and other structural, mechanical and electrical works.The Kinnegad Parish Finance and Forward Planning Team, headed up by Fr. Tom Gilroy (PP, Kinnegad), will now turn their attentions towards renovation work at St. Agnes' Church, Coralstown, and the committee is very close to identifying the scope of work needed, and the costs of the undertaking.Work on Coralstown will begin after the Clonard project is complete. Both initiatives will require a significant amount of borrowing on the part of Kinnegad parish, and an appeal has been made to parishioners for their continued support for the Building and Development Fund.Swimming at St. Etchen'sParents of children attending St. Etchen's National School, Kinnegad have been notified that swimming sessions will resume for pupils on Monday, September 21.Swimming season will run for six weeks, finishing on Monday, November 2, and further details will be made available when costs become clearer.Meanwhile, guitar lessons will resume at St. Etchen's later this month. For more details, contact the school office on 044-9375463.Parish Golf ClassicThe Kinnegad Parish Golf Classic in aid of the Kinnegad Parish Churches' Restoration Fund, will take place at the County Meath Golf Club, Trim, Co. Meath on Friday next.The day will begin at 8.30am, and local golfers hope that good weather will smile upon them for their tour of the greens, which ends when the last team tees off at 4.30pm.An enjoyable day is promised for all, with prizes for GUI and non-GUI participants. As well as supporting the worthy cause of the Parish Church Restoration Fund - which will go towards the renovation of the churches at Kinnegad, Clonard and Coralstown - the tournament is also a great opportunity for a day's golfing experience, for both the regular and occasional golfer.The format for the day will be a four-person team event - a scramble competition. The entry fee is €280 per team, and snacks, hot meals and excellent prizes will be made available on the day.Tee times can be booked with Deborah on 086-2053488. The time sheet is filling rapidly, so book now to avoid disappointment.