Fresh look at €20M Abbeylands plan

Councillors have been given a fresh look at plans for the Abbeylands redevelopment in the county town.

An investment of €20 million will be needed to see them become a reality, members of the Cavan Belturbet Municipal District were told at their March meeting in the Digital Hub on Monday afternoon.

However, it is believed this figure will rise due to inflation costs.

The project is set to be completed in two phases, with phase one set to commence construction in the third or fourth quarter of this year.

The proposed development seeks to redevelop existing derelict structures, green space and backland areas located to the rear of properties facing onto Abbey Street, Townhall Street, Main Street and Bridge Street.

The green space at the centre of the site was the location of St Mary’s Abbey, a former Franciscan abbey dating back to the 1300s, and contains former graveyard surround walls and the Abbey Tower, which protected structures of regional importance.

Public realm improvement works to be carried out within the Abbey Tower grounds and Donohoe’s Food Fair include the creation of a new multifunctional public plaza and event space. New pedestrian links will be established between the plaza to Main Street, Bridge Street and the Town Hall.

The proposal includes a new shared pedestrian/vehicular surface area to Abbey Street at entry to the plaza. The works also include heritage preservation works to the existing Medieval tower and former stone walls surrounding the plaza, which are to be retained.

The programme also includes the demolition of multiple derelict buildings including the old abattoir located to the rear of Donohoe’s Food Fair and the premises formerly known as McIntyres furniture store.

In response to the presentation, Cllr Brendan Fay queried if there had been any progress on relocating the post office, which is currently on the town square.

The executive stated that the issue of the post office would be a “slow burner”, and that “the post office needs to move first”.

Cathaoirleach John Paul Feeley congratulated everyone involved in the project before outlining his concerns regarding private construction, which would take place surrounding the plaza following its completion.

He stated “you know how the public feel” giving the example of footpaths, which may have been laid, then dug up months after due to development.

“Ultimately, we want development,” clarifed Cllr Feeley.

However he was adamant the correct infrastructure should be put in place prior to construction to allow further development with as little impact as possible.

In response, the executive assured Cllr Feeley that an access area would be situated surrounding the entirety of the plaza to allow for as little impact as possible during development.

It is hoped that the introduction of the new Abbeylands plaza will “kickstart private sector development” in the area, and encourage more businesses into the town.

The Masterplan was supported by all members of the meeting.