Cootehill road deal nearly over the line

Discussions over the narrow rectangular tranche of property have been going on for almost 10 years.

After almost a decade in the making, work to widen the New Line Road in Cootehill and provide much-needed carparking spaces is finally on the horizon.

Final legalities are being resolved after a deal was finally struck between Cavan County Council and Cootehill Celtic GAA over the transfer of ownership of a small strip of land, which borders the public road.

The local authority has plans to improve the route and introduce measuers to ease traffic congestion in the historic east county market town.

Discussions over the narrow rectangular tranche of property have been going on for almost 10 years. Previous reports suggest the council was willing to pay in the region of €20,000 for the land. However, it was stated that the GAA valued the land closer to the €40,000 mark.

Consultation with the residents of New Line, local businesses in the area and public representatives have taken place in recent years over the proposed works, which would widen the New Line and also add more carparking spaces.

Three pedestrian crossings would also be installed on the New Line.

At the recent meeting members elected to the Bailieborough-Cootehill Municipal District, Fine Gael's Carmel Brady sought an update in relation to the deal.

She was told by Senior Area Engineer Alan Lyons that progress was “still underway”.

The Anglo-Celtwas later informed that a “legal process” over the transfer of the property is now taking place.