Landmark Kinnegad building to be refurbished

A landmark Kinnegad building that was once a centre of community activity but that is now derelict is to be refurbished, although its future use is to be as social housing.

At the June meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad, Cllr Denis Leonard asked for an update on the district’s plans for Serenity House.

He explained that the hope was that Serenity House be returned to community use for local groups due to an urgent need locally.

The written response provided by the district stated that it is proposed to refurbish Serenity House for the purposes of social housing, and works are expected to commence in Quarter 4 of 2023.

However, Cllr Leonard was informed that “in the interim, Westmeath County Council will examine the option of making Serenity House (or part thereof) available for the purpose of community meetings, subject to the consideration of costs that may be involved regarding any required upgrade works to ensure the property (or part thereof) is at a suitable standard for the confirmed community use”.

The response said that the “normal licensing arrangements” would also need to be put in place with a nominated local community group for the agreed purposes.

“The Community Section will follow up on same with the relevant parties,” the response concluded.

Cllr Leonard urged that the promised actions be done “sooner rather than later”, saying that the last time he queried what was to happen with the building - around October of last year - he was told it would be looked at by the end of 2022.

“There are three community groups who actually are homeless at the moment,” he told the executive.

“There is no other place available in Kinnegad,”” he continued.

“The GAA make their small meeting room available, but there’s an elderly group, a women’s shed, and ICA all having to meet in the backs of pubs or going into Clonard.”

Cllr Leonard said that until the library is available, he would like to see Serenity House put into use.