Green light for new Belturbet hub
Cavan County councillors have rubber stamped the development of a new Community, Enterprise and Tourism Hub at the heart of Belturbet town under Part 8 of the Planning & Development Act.
The plan, as outlined at last week’s Cavan-Belturbet Municipal District meeting, means the project is now “shovel ready” should a funding stream come available in future.
It is the second meeting in a row during which councillors sanctioned major community developments, the last being in March when they backed a proposal to provide a new two-storey co-working facility and community centre in Blacklion. The works require the replacement of a property known locally as ‘Mooney’s Hall’ and the redevelopment of the Fairgreen area.
The Belturbet plans will, meanwhile, see the former Dinkin’s Bakery building redeveloped as a multi-purpose building, with the rear extension demolished and refurbishment and upgrade works carried out to the original structure.
A new two-storey extension will provide meeting rooms, offices, remote working spaces and ancillary facilities including toilets, storage, plant room, new stairs and elevator.
At the MD meeting, Senior Executive Engineer Derry Scanlan told councillors that the plans were made available for public viewing, and advertised, with no submissions received during that period.
He said that Frank Cooney Architects, working on the Belturbet Masterplan, identified the need for a new community, youth, and enterprise hub in the Erneside town.
The proposed development site is zoned ‘Town/Village Core’ in the Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028.
“Part 8 brings us to a stage where were shovel ready, and with drawings and planning for funding,” explained Mr Scanlan.
Adoption was proposed by Independent Belturbet Cllr Brendan Fay.
“It’s great to see it happening,” he said, praising the work done by Mr Cooney and his team in developing the Masterplan. “It’s great to see something like this come to fruition.”
Approval was seconded by Fianna Fáil’s John Paul Feeley.