Over €700K in Covid funding for Cavan towns

BREAKING NEWS

Projects in Cootehill, Virginia, Belturbet, Ballyjamesduff, Bailieborough, Arva and Shercock all to benefit

Funding totalling €704,075 has been announced for County Cavan under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

The allocations, confirmed by local Minister Heather Humphreys this morning, will benefit seven projects in Cootehill, Virginia, Belturbet, Ballyjamesduff, Bailieborough, Arva and Shercock.

The funding is part of a €15.4m investment nationwide, funding a range of public amenity enhancements and other improvements to our rural communities.

The successful Cavan projects are:

· Belturbet: €199,800 for the development of the marina as well as to fund phase two of the extension of the Youth Hub.

· Cootehill: €100,000 to improve access for pedestrians as well as other town enhancements.

· Virginia: €100,000 for the development of the lakeshore area, including linking the lakeshore to the town centre via a footpath.

· Bailieborough: €100,000 upgrades to the lakeside public amenity facilities, including an education facility, nature reserve and recreation space.

· Ballyjamesduff: €100,000 to connect the Nun’s walk biodiversity corridor at the Museum to the Town Centre.

· Arva: €54,727 for enhancement works to the bus shelter, murals and facade painting, as well as resurfacing of the carpark around the Market House.

· Shercock: €49,548 for outdoor seating, a sculpture, bus shelter and other improvements

In announcing the funding to The Anglo-Celt, Minister Humphreys said:

“I’m delighted that so many worthy projects in Cavan are to benefit from this funding – which will help them adapt to the challenges posed by Covid-19.

“A range of diverse projects across Cavan will be funded in the likes of Cootehill, Virginia, Belturbet, Ballyjamesduff, Bailieborough, Arva and Shercock.

“Our rural towns and villages are a vital part of the fabric of our lives. The past year has shown us, more than ever, how much we rely on our local communities and has rekindled our sense of pride in where we live.

“If we’ve learned anything over the past 12 months, it’s been the importance of investing in the likes of our public spaces, our town centres and our local amenities.

“The funding is about helping communities get back on their feet in light of Covid-19 – to help make our towns and villages safer places to shop, work and do business.

“I want to commend all the communities who have received funding today on working closely with Cavan County Council on their respective applications.

“I look forward to seeing all the projects being completed so that our towns and villages in Cavan can recover from Covid-19 and go from strength to strength."

Fine Gael Senator Joe O'Reilly, Leas Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, also welcomed the funding.

"Town and Village Renewal funding has always been vitally important to help towns and villages in Co. Cavan and all over Ireland survive and thrive, and it is even more beneficial this year as communities respond to the challenges presented by Covid-19.

"These seven Co Cavan towns/villages will be able to implement measures that will encourage people into these communities to shop, exercise and socialise, while adhering to public health guidelines. It is important we generate economic activity while keeping the people of Co Cavan safe," said Senator O'Reilly.

Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith also expressed his delight at the allocations.

“I welcome this government funding which will benefit 14 towns and villages in Cavan and Monaghan and will fund a wide and diverse range of projects. Walkways, community parks, the regeneration of derelict buildings and enhancement works at tourism attractions and the development of local amenities are deserving of this funding and will contribute to necessary local community development.

"I compliment Cavan and Monaghan Councils and local community groups who have all worked to develop these projects,” stated Deputy Smith.