A design image of the community centre development in Killeigh, which could begin next week.

Community centre build in Offaly village 'could start next week'

The long-awaited start of construction on the new €1 million community centre in Killeigh could happen as soon as next week, after the development committee announced today (Monday) that it had reached agreement with a builder for the project.

The voluntary committee behind the development on the site of the former Macra Hall said it was "delighted to announce" that Allen Kenny Construction Ltd, of Rahan, Tullamore, would build the facility.

"We are finalising the formalities, but (construction) work will be starting in the next week or so," said Killeigh Community Centre Development Association PRO, Martina Gorman.

"As a committee, we are very excited and a little overwhelmed at finally hitting this momentous milestone. It's important to remember that this is all for the wider community."

The community centre project was awarded some town and village renewal scheme funding in the last year, and a 'win a house in Meath' fundraiser for the project is due to conclude shortly, with the draw taking place on December 19.

A public meeting in Tullamore in early October heard that, at that stage, €763,000 of the approximately €1 million required to develop the Community Centre had been secured, and there was a call for assistance from the community to help to bridge the gap in funding.

It's hoped that the new community centre will be completed before the end of 2023.