Ballyconnell to get facelift with funding announcement

Ballyconnell is to receive €100,000 in funding to carry out improvements to the busy town’s streetscape.

In all, 26 towns across the country are set to benefit from a €2.6 million fund under the Streetscape Enhancement Initiative announced on Monday morning by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Retailers and property owners in Ballyconnell will be provided with grants to improve the facades of their buildings, carry out artwork or install features such as street furniture or canopies.

The overall purpose of the scheme is to give our towns and villages a facelift and make them more attractive places to live, work or visit.

Minister Heather Humphreys confirmed Cavan County Council is to receive €100,000 to be used in the west Cavan town.

“Ballyconnell is a town that I know particularly well myself having previously worked there. So I have no doubt that the businesses in Ballyconnell will use this funding to great effect.

“We all take pride in our rural towns and villages and want them to be as attractive and welcoming as possible.”

Deputy Brendan Smith also welcomed the news: “Relatively small-scale investment can make a positive difference in helping to regenerate towns and villages and also assist local businesses where there are, in many instances, particular challenges for retailers.”

Senator Joe O’Reilly (FG) also welcomed the funding.

Cavan last year received a total of €230,000 under the scheme, which was split between Belturbet, Ballyjamesduff and Cootehill.

Clones will also receive a facelift with another €100,000 announced for Monaghan County Council.

Granard in Co Longford, Trim in Co Meath, Kilbeggan in Westmeath and Carrick on Shannon in Co Leitrim are also set to receive funding.