Residents' associations can help estates get taken in charge, Meath residents told

Residents in growing housing estates across Meath are being encouraged to set up residents' associations to support estates being taken in charge by the local authority. A Residents' Association Handbook was developed by Meath County Council to provide step-by-step guidance for forming and running associations. The handbook covers holding meetings, engaging with the local authority, and applying for grants and funding. It also includes practical templates and information on estate maintenance and community safety, along with other issues commonly faced by residents. A peace commissioner said established residents' associations can help progress the process of taking estates in charge while enabling neighbours to work together to improve their area.

"Residents in growing housing estates across Meath are being encouraged to set up residents' associations, which can play an "important role" in helping estates to be taken in charge by the local authority."

"The Residents' Association Handbook was developed by Meath County Council last July to support people in setting up and running local residents' associations as housing developments continue to expand across the county. Produced following a motion brought forward by Sinn Féin councillor Maria White, the guide includes step-by-step advice on forming a residents' association, running meetings, engaging with the local authority and applying for grants and funding."

""With ongoing development across East Meath and the wider county, it is essential that residents have access to clear, practical information to help them establish and maintain effective residents' associations," she said. "The handbook includes guidance on forming associations, running meetings, engaging with Meath County Council, accessing grants and funding, and improving estate maintenance and safety.""

""There are several estates across Navan and Johnstown that are seeking to be taken in charge by the local authority, including my own," he said. "Having an established residents' association can significantly help in progressing that process, while also allowing neighbours to work together for the betterment of their area.""

Read at Irish Independent