Tenders sought for Market House

Tenders have been published for the redevelopment of the Market House in Ballyconnell, almost a decade after it was first mooted.

Funding of €795,000 was announced for the project in April, which will see the historic building transformed.

It’s hoped it will become a new community, remote working and tourism hub.

Cavan County Council, which is leading the project, has said it “will act as a catalyst for the economic and community regeneration of the greater Ballyconnell and West Cavan border region”.

It says, while the building will be of use to the community, its central location makes it the ideal place for a tourism hub in the town to capitalise on its proximity to the UNESCO Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark.

Announcing funding for 24 projects across the country in April, including the Ballyconnell refurbishment, Rural and Community Development Minister Heather Humphreys said: “These projects will breathe new life into towns and villages across the country making them attractive and vibrant places for people to live, work, socialise and raise a family.” A feasibility study into the project was carried out in 2012 after LEADER funding was secured.

Councillors in the Cavan-Belturbet MD approved planning permission for the restoration project in 2019.

The building, which was first built in 1838, has lain empty for a number of years.

The local authority has now published tenders for consultants to manage the refurbishment and construction phases of the project.

Included in the tender is a requirement for a Lead Consultant, Architectural, Structural and Civil Engineering, Building Services Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Project Supervisor Design Process, Design/Assigned Certifier and Employer’s Representative Services.

The closing date for submissions is October 28.