Approval to change Belturbet pub into housing

The members of Cavan-Belturbet Municipal District have sanctioned plans to change the use of a former public house in Belturbet and transform it and an adjoining residence into four fully-serviced, two-bed dwelling units.

The council, which owns the property having purchased it last year, intends to retain the existing front façade of Flynn’s at Lower Kilconny and demolish a structure to the rear, as well as carry out other alterations.

Flynn’s Bar was run, up until its closure during Covid, by local businessman John Gerard who took over from his late parents John and Nola. They set up there in 1967, but the property had served the community as bar and grocery going back to the 1900s.

It is the second former public house in the town purchased by the council to change into a two-storey duplex accommodation.In 2022 the local authority completed a deal to buy The ‘Duckin’ Stool’ on Main Street. Two housing units - one at ground floor level and one at first floor level - are nearing completion there.

Seamus McLoughlin, Senior Project Manager, Cavan County Council, brought the Flynn's housing project before area elected members when they met at The Market House in Blacklion on November 18.

He told councillors that the council planned to incorporate four apartments into the former public house premises and attached residence.

There were “no objections” received when the project was listed for public consultation, and no issues raised by the council's own environmental department. The only concern brought to the attention of the council planners was by the waste management section, which suggested that an asbestos survey be carried out.

It was noted by Mr McLoughlin that the principal of the design was “acceptable” and furthermore fitted with the objectives regarding sustainable development as set out in the last published County Development Plan.

It was therefore “recommended” by the Chief Executive, Eoin Doyle, that the elected members grant approval. The approval was proposed by Fianna Fáil's John Paul Feeley, and seconded by Belturbet Independent Cllr Brendan Fay.

Cllr Fay asked that whatever the consideration for the building that the 'Flynn's' sign at the front of the premises could be put back up after the build is completed, similar to what happened with the 'Duckin Stool'.

“It's something people wanted and were very anxious to see happen,” said Cllr Fay.“We'll bear that in mind,” stated Mr McLoughlin.