Government funding bearing fruit - Smyth

The bright summer days are mirrored in the appearance and renewed hope that is felt around Bailieborough at the moment due to Government investments in two major town projects namely the Garda Station and The Courthouse.

That’s the view of local Fianna Fáil TD, Niamh Smyth.

Both of these repurposed developments are progressing well with completion dates getting closer.

The new garda headquarters in the reconstructed old Northern Bank has been allocated over €11M with an estimated opening date in early 2025.

“The moving of our new expanded garda station to our Main Street is a massive boost for the town and becoming the crime hub for the Cavan-Monaghan-Louth division has potential to increase the business capacity in the town,” she told the Celt.

The continued expansion of the Bailie Hotel with additional rooms being added is another progressive development in the town under Austin Kelly’s ownership.

Deputy Smyth also referenced the development of the Courthouse as a community hub as another positive for Bailieborough.

“[It] will enhance the economic and cultural growth within the town. The welcome grant aiding of over €1.4M by the government to this development will create an important visitor centre and exhibition space for future generations. The Plantation Museum relating to the town’s history and heritage is a brilliant concept and a treasure for the town,” she remarked.

A new footpath and lighting out the Kells Road under the Active Age programme also came in for mention by the local TD.

Deputy Smyth is also looking forward to the upgrade of the Market Square area.

“The bane of many motorists and pedestrians in the town is the Market Square junction a dangerous bottleneck that is an accident waiting to happen. Good progress is being made to develop an overall traffic management plan after an initial injection from the NTA of €50,000 got the ball rolling,” she highlighted.

Following traffic surveys, the council’s road department will decide on the best measures to be implemented there in the interest of road users and safety.

Deputy Smyth also highlighted a new daily bus service (170) from Dundalk to Cavan now travelling six times every day in Bailieborough improving the town’s accessibility and links.

She also pointed to further investment in Bailieborough Leisure Centre, Bailieborough Shamrocks and Bailieborough Celtic clubs later in the summer.

“A little progress each day, leads to big results.”