Local Fine Gael councillor, John Dolan, has welcomed the decision by Westmeath County Council to CPO the old shop in Castledaly.
“I am delighted that Westmeath County Council has afforded me a commitment that they are soon to commence the CPO process relating to the old shop in Castledaly. I have been trying for numerous years to find an appropriate solution in dealing with this property and the dark past and memories which continues to effect the whole community,” Cllr Dolan stated.
Cllr Dolan stated that during his term as Castledaly GAA chairman, the committee tried in earnest to purchase the property but there was little willingness to engage in this regard,
“When I was chairman of Castledaly GAA we had tried in vain to purchase the property or find a way of trying to improve the look of this old shop, but we never received get any relevant engagement. Castledaly Tidy Towns group have done great work through the years improving the look of the property, but we were always limited in what could be done.
“I have submitted numerous motions to the Council, and finally, our local authority decided this year to put the property on the derelict sites list. I have now received confirmation from the council that they are moving to CPO the property,which is brilliant news for everyone in the area and gives us hope that when that process is completed, we can have a discussion with the council as to how the site can be best developed in consultation with the local groups and the local community.
“I wish to thank all those within the Castledaly community, who, over the years have tried to find a way of dealing with this very sensitive issue and I want to especially express my gratitude to the council for agreeing to my request to CPO the property. Hopefully, we can now move on to develop the property in a way that will remember Debbie, Trevor and Killian in a special way and allow the community of Castledaly to move on,” Cllr Dolan concluded.
