Local projects by volunteers

Ballyjamesduff recently completed various projects giving the eastern Cavan town a great boost.

Councillor Trevor Smith is very proud of the new facilities in the town, and particularly emphasis that all construction was undertaken by local companies.

“I welcome that any project that have taken place in the last while have been carried out by local contractors.

“I think that’s very important,” he emphasised.

Among the establishments in Ballyjamesduff is a brand-new fire station, an extension to St Claire’s national school and refurbishments of a bridge just outside the town.

The new fire station came into use six weeks ago, which Councillor Trevor Smith welcomed.

“The firemen were working in totally outdated facilities,” he said of the previous location.

“That’s a brilliant facility,” he said, nodding towards the state-of-the-art building and training tower.

Councillor Smith welcomed the new extension to St Claire’s National in the town, recently opened by Tánaiste Micheál Martin, and Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion, Josepha Madigan, at a cost of €3 million.

“It is making a huge difference to some families in Ballyjamesduff who have children,” he said.

Travelling outside the town towards Kilnaleck, the Derrylea Bridge project was recently completed which saw the widening and straightening of the bridge which he described as “much needed.”

“There was huge capital investment in Ballyjamesduff over the last year or two,” he beamed, adding that it is not showing sings of stopping.

Investment of €7.65 million has been allocated to the Percy French hotel transformation project which is currently in the pipeline for the town.

Public consultation on the future of the building is yet to take place, however Cllr Smith is certain “it will bring more activity into the town” upon completion.

“The council are drawing up plans.

“Nothing is ruled in, nothing is ruled out as to what it’s going to be.”

The Ballyjamesduff native assured people that the project is “definitely coming” altough there is no set tine scale yet.

He praised a new mural in the town created with the help of Bounce Back Youth Service, Cavan Volunteer Centre, Teach Solais Community Development, Ballyjamesduff Community Council and Cavan County Council each organisation is “very important” to Ballyjamesduff.