Former Cootehill bank to become community hub

The announcement was made this morning.

The former Bank of Ireland building in Cootehill is to become a new community facility for the town.

€7.5 million is to go towards 36 projects across the country to tackle vacancy and dereliction.

Among them is the Cootehill project which it’s hoped will become a remote working hub and community centre.

The project mirrors that of the former Ulster Bank in the town, which has already been converted into a remote working hub and community facility known as Hub Muinchille. That building is in private ownership but was converted in partnership with community groups.

It’s not known how much of the €7.5 million announced as part of the scheme will go towards the Cootehill centre.

The initiative, part of the Government’s Town and Village Renewal Scheme, was announced this morning by local Minister Heather Humphreys:

“This scheme is all about tackling the scourge of vacancy and dereliction in our rural towns and villages”, she said.

“It’s about taking those old run-down buildings that have been lying idle for far too long. Now, they will be given a new lease of life and converted into community hubs.

“I’m delighted that among the 36 buildings that are being purchased is the former Bank of Ireland Building in Cootehill.”

Minister Humphreys also said Cavan County Council is working to “finalise” another property in the County for similar use.

A range of buildings across the country are included in the scheme, including:

· The former Garda Stations in Tarmonbarry and Ballintubber, Co Roscommon

· The former Courthouse in New Ross and former Bank of Ireland Building at Rosslare Harbour, Co Wexford

· The former Bank of Ireland Building in Rathkeale, Co Limerick

· The former Garda Station in Ashford and the former Bank of Ireland Building in Carnew, Co Wicklow

· The FCA Hall in Mitchelstown, Co Cork

· A former commercial property in Athenry, Co Galway