A new €400,000 community hall building has been opened in the Westmeath town of Rochfortbridge.

County council chairman Fintan Cooney welcomed the new facility, which was spearheaded by a local development group, who gained planning permission in 2006.

The total cost of the project was in the region of €400,000. A grant of €300,000 for the refurbishment of the Hall was obtained by Westmeath County Council from the Department of Environment under the Social and Community Facilities Scheme.

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The remaining €100,000 was raised locally by a hard working committee.

John Madden and Associates, of Mullingar designed the project.

Building works were carried out by Offaly firm Cloneden Construction, under the supervision of the designers.

Works commenced in February 2007 and progressed well with the project being substantially completed within a year.

"Westmeath County Council is delighted that this worthwhile project was delivered on time and within budget and the facility will greatly improve the social infrastructure of the locality and will be of great benefit to all community groups," said Mr Cooney.

(PR/BMCC)