Cllr praises Bailieboro's strong community spirit
The continued development of Bailieborough’s facilities and public amenities is top of Councillor Paddy McDonald’s wish list this Christmas. “I’m looking forward to seeing the third phase of the development of the old Courthouse and the former Bridewell jail. €1.2 million has been allocated to finish off this project. Already work has been done to put in a theatre and hot desks. I’d like to see the project finished off to include parking, more safety features at the corner of the Shercock Road and Main Street as well as a tea room and seated area at the Bridewell,” he outlined.
The Sinn Féin councillor also wants to see the town’s infrastructure upgraded.
“There has been one footpath upgraded in the town and I would like to see the rest of them done to the same standard.
“The NTA and Cavan County council are in negotiation at the moment about the junction on the Kingscourt road onto Main Street, Barrack Street and the Institute road. This junction has been an area of concern for many years. Cars parking on both sides of this junction restrict people’s view. There are consultants surveying the junction to see if anything can be done to improve the area,” he revealed. Cllr McDonald also welcomed the reopening of the town’s recreational facilities following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.
“Our leisure centre, swimming pool and gym all opened up again this year. It’s a great facility to have in our town. It’s great to see all the footfall that is going into it at the minute. It’s a welcome sign that things are returning to normal,” he said. The local man also paid tribute to the community groups who play a vital role in the upkeep of the town.
“I’m the chairperson of the Community Employment scheme in Bailieboro, Cootehill, Knockbride and Killinkere. There are 37 participants currently working on it and, without them, our community facilities wouldn’t be able to function. They are responsible for the upkeep of lake amenity areas, greens and playgrounds and care for young adults with special needs. They are the backbone of our Tidy Towns, GAA and soccer clubs, as well as the many St Vincent de Paul shops and community development organisations across east Cavan.
“In Bailieboro alone there are incredible committees working away and I’d like to thank them for all their hard work. Committees like the Tidy Towns, Christmas Lights, St Patrick’s Day parade and the Festival Committee all do great work in keeping our communities alive and well.” As former chairman of the Shamrocks GAA club, Cllr McDonald is delighted see the upstairs of the GAA clubhouse finished. “It’s available to hire out and our new walking track will soon be opened up for people to walk around,” he said. In conclusion, Cllr McDonald asked people to shop locally in Bailieborough this Christmas and support the town’s local traders.