Good times ahead for the town

Cootehill has a bright future coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local Fianna Fáil Councillor Aiden Fitzpatrick says there are many new and exciting projects in the works for the north Cavan town.

The Dromore Greenway, which is being planned at the moment, is among the projects with big potential for the town and surrounding areas.

“This will be a great addition to Cootehill and will connect the Errigal Country House Hotel to Halton's and eventually to Rockcorry by greenway and Ballybay by blueway,” he says.

The former Ulster Bank building, which closed in 2017, has been converted into a community hub for use by local groups. Now known as Hub Muinchille, it houses a community space and offices for groups.

“Hub Muinchille is now up and running as a community space on the ground floor in conjunction with Cootehill Town Team SC group and CCLD. On the first floor MaCYSS has taken up offices providing online training opportunities for people and organisations to increase their skills and understanding of alcohol and other drug issues and issues that are closely related including Mental health promotion and suicide prevention.”

Also included is a remote working space, with desks available for people working in the area or students studying. That area was officially opened this week.

Cllr Fitzpatrick says the conversion of the building has been a “great success” and hopes he can encourage Cavan County Council to buy the former Bank of Ireland building to bring it back into use too.

The need to resurface the Station Road in Cootehill has long been highlighted as an important issue for the town. Cllr Fitzpatrick says this is an issue he’s been pushing and will continue to work on: “Having had long discussions with the council about the urgent need for its resurfacing I have been assured that it is at the top of the agenda. The planning process for new footpaths and cycleways from the town to St Aidan’s Comprehensive is underway and hopefully funding will follow to allow for the resurfacing of the road.”

Cllr Fitzpatrick highlights investment in Cootehill and the potential for job creation which he says will bring a boost to the wider area: “ALDI is another exciting addition to the town. If successful in their planning application they will bring many people to the town and should in turn see new businesses start up and existing businesses flourish.

“Cootehill Enterprise Park has recently applied for funding for improved infrastructure within its site so as to facilitate the development of new industries, which are ready to go.

This, along with other developments already under way, should see up to 250 jobs created in the near future.”

Funding for local projects and amenities is also among the good news in Cootehill according to the well-known local councillor.

Cootehill playground (€50,000) and the restoration of the Coote family mausoleum (€20,000) will both bring a boost to the area.

“Cootehill Area Development continues to do tremendous work at Halton’s Park and great credit must go to the entire committee. They are continually investing in the community's facilities and always looking ahead to new ventures,” says Cllr Fitzpatrick.

“All in all Cootehill has a lot going for it now and into the future. I look forward to continuing working with and for Cootehill Town Team, Cootehill Chamber and Cootehill Area Development to ensure the future growth of Cootehill.”