Enabling works for Abbeylands to begin
Enabling works for the ambitious Abbeylands project in the heart of Cavan Town could start as soon as this summer, The Anglo-Celt can reveal.
The redevelopment of backland areas, connecting them to the town core, is central to the plans. This will entail the demolition of some older buildings within the footprint of the proposed development, which looks set to transform the county town centre.
Full construction will follow, expected to begin in early 2025.
The vision to regenerate the town core will see pedestrianisation prioritised. The scheme includes the creation of a new multifunctional plaza and public event space and new links between Abbey Street, Townhall Street, Main Street and Bridge Street.
Members of the Cavan Belturbet Municipal District rubber stamped the plans back in April 2023, under Part 8 of the Planning & Development Act.
“Certainly this calendar year and probably closer to summer,” said Director of Services at Cavan County Council, Brendan Jennings, of the necessary enabling works to take place. “We're talking about to the back of the Credit Union, areas like that. There are buildings there in a very bad state of repair, the upper levels have to come down, the lower levels will be retained. And then there are archaeological works to be done right around the site during the course of 2024 and that will allow for construction to commence then in 2025.”
The local authority intends to incorporate a business and innovation centre at the former McIntyre’s site, and a community services hub at the former Donohoe’s Foodfare property, purchased in 2021 for close to €750,000.
It will also involve a change of existing zoning for the area from Residential to Commercial space, and the proposed works include heritage preservation of the existing medieval tower and stone walls.
Townhall Street and its carpark in Cavan Town have already undergone significant renovation and redevelopment, with funding totalling €750,000 transforming the area to make it more attractive to tourists.