Almost €200K for Belturbet projects

The chair of Cavan Belturbet Municipal District has welcomed funding of almost €200,000 under the Town & Village Renewal Scheme for Belturbet.

Cllr Brendan Fay (Ind) explained that the allocation of €199,800 will go towards enhancing facilities at the Belturbet Marina and Belturbet Youth Hub.

In relation to the marina project, he said: "Belturbet has been the only docking point along the River Erne without a services block for many years, which has been unacceptable and a big loss for the tourism industry in our beautiful town. As a publican, the main frustration about our river marina heard across the counter from tourists and locals alike was the lack of services such as shower facilities available when they docked their boats."

A group of volunteers along, including Cllr Fay, started the process to apply for funding even before Cllr Fay was elected. He commended Cathal Kinney, chair of Belturbet IWAI, for his "enthusiastic assistance" in spearheading the project!

Waterways Ireland assisted with the application for funding in conjunction with Project Belturbet. Cllr Fay also thanked John Donohoe in Cavan County Council for his role in processing and submitting the application.

"will help greatly to boost tourism in the area and it is about time a proper services block is in place for boaters along the beautiful River Erne," said Cllr Fay.

The funding for Belturbet Bounce Back Youth Hub is also timely. "It has been long identified that the teenagers of our area need a decent facility to support them and the Bounce Back drop-in facility has been a massive benefit since its arrival in the town. Bounce Back Service with its youth workers can offer immense support to the youth including young people experiencing difficulties in their lives. Following the isolating effects of this pandemic on our teenagers, this service will continue to be very welcome for them," remarked Cllr Fay.