Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Keady Public Need to be Consulted on Location of New Community Centre - McNally

Published: 24 July, 2009

Keady Sinn Féin Councillor, Darren McNally has expressed his disappointment that the public were not consulted regarding the location of the proposed new community centre.

Mr. McNally said,

"Keady regeneration committee was looking at two sites that they felt would be suitable for a new modern and fit for purpose community centre. These were; Madden Row Football Field and the GAA grounds on the

Armagh Road

. An independent appraisal has taken place by Grant Thorton on behalf of Armagh Council in order to assess the merits of both sites and they have spoken in favor of the Maddan Row site ,the decision on whether to except Grant Thorton's recommendation still has to be ratified at a full Council meeting.

"I did ask Keady regeneration committee and Grant Thorton to consult with the local community in order to assess the opinion of the public as to where this building should be situated, much in the same way that they consulted with the community on what type of building was needed in the area." unfortunately I met a lot of opposition to this proposal.

"Many people in Keady have felt for a long time that we are the forgotten town in the eyes of Armagh Council. This opinion has only been strengthened recently when Keady fared poorly in comparison to other areas when receiving flowers and Christmas lights. It is time that the local community had their say on the location of the community centre rather than having other people making these decisions for them."