Meath County Council officially opened the East Meath Civic Centre (EMCC) in Bettystown this afternoon, Monday, February 24, 2025. The new state-of-the-art facility will offer a vast array of public library, beach management and community services to people in East Meath.

The new 950 square metre four-storey landmark building situated on the beachfront was solely funded by Meath County Council at a cost of €10.1 million.

The EMCC will offer a suite of public library services, including separate Adult and Children's Libraries, a Sensory Room, and a Study Hub/Exhibition Area.

There will also be a Lifeguard Station, Beach Management area and a Beach Wheelchair Service in addition to a changing room for people with a disability, all easily accessible on the ground floor.

The new facility will also offer a large meeting room on the ground floor and three meeting rooms on the third floor. In addition to enabling Meath Libraries to deliver a wide variety of events for people of all ages, these multi-functional meeting rooms will also be able to be booked for free by the local community, providing a new resource for civic and community events in East Meath.

Additionally the centre will provide a new home for beach lifeguards and beach wardens, with an elevated position from which to survey the beach effectively.

There will also be accessible hot shower facilities also in addition to public toilets for bathers.

The EMCC will also provide a new base for community events such as World Ocean Day and will be a new location for Beach Lifeguard courses, the first of which is taking place in April, allowing young people to upskill in lifeguarding and provide safety services at the beach.

People with a disability are well catered for at the new facility, the entire building is wheelchair accessible and there is also a “Changing Places” changing room available. The EMCC will feature two Beach Wheelchairs, and a pilot booking system is being developed for access to the chairs.

The Terra Wheels Beach Wheelchair is a durable wheelchair featuring two XL inflatable front wheels and two large rear castor wheels. It is easily propelled by an attendant using the push handle. The axle is made of stainless steel and its’ aluminium Terra Wheels accommodates all users from children to elderly people.

The Hippocampe Beach Wheelchair is a beach friendly wheelchair allowing users to go into the water and swim while the chair floats. The seat, the armrests, and the headrest are composed of a thick and hydrophobic foam that does not absorb water and dries quickly.

Speaking earlier today, An Cathaoirleach Cllr Sharon Tolan said: “I would like to express my immense pride in the benefits that this beautiful facility will provide to the people of East Meath. Through its library services, the East Meath Civic Centre will serve as an accessible hub of education and knowledge for individuals of all ages.

“The state-of-the-art meeting rooms equipped with audiovisual facilities and overlooking the beach are set to become a central hub for community and non-profit group events in East Meath. To the tens of thousands of annual visitors to Bettystown Beach, the Lifeguard Station and Beach Management services on the ground floor will provide essential reassurance and support.

“I am most proud of the inclusive design of this exceptional building. The ground floor features an excellent beach wheelchair service, and changing rooms will be available for people with disabilities—something I advocated for during consultations with the architects. This ensures that everyone who wants to enjoy the beach can do so with dignity.”

Chief Executive of Meath County Council Kieran Kehoe said: “A project funded entirely by Meath County Council, this vibrant and innovative building is yet another example of our resolute and steadfast commitment to providing public services and facilities of the absolute highest quality in the county.

“At €10.1 million, this centre has been a significant investment for Meath County Council, but a critical one. This new facility will be a vital resource for the local community, offering invaluable public library, beach management, and community services.

“Every inch of this unparalleled facility is designed with a variety of users in mind. I have no doubt the over 20,000 local residents here in East Meath will quickly make this space a vital hub of educational, recreational and civic activities.”