McVitty – ‘Air of positivity’

There is a palpable air of positivity around Ballyconnell following major investment in 2023 and more to come in the New Year.

Aside from works taking place to reopen the local community centre, and the ongoing redevelopment of the former Market House in Ballyconnell, €100,000 was awarded by Cavan County Council to help transform the overall visual appearance of premises within the town to “make it a more attractive place in which to live, work or visit”.

“Nearly every premises in the town signed up to it, which was brilliant to see and it made a major difference,” says Fine Gael Councillor Peter McVitty of the works, which included green enhancements, painting and murals, and the replacement of signage, canopies and lighting. Work under the Streetscape Enhancement scheme was completed in October 2023.

A lot of roadworks also took place over the past 12 months, including pavement repair and resurfacing on the N87 Drumasladdy-Rahaghan, finished in November; on the R205 Ballyconnell; and the N87 Cranaghan-Mullaghduff, completed last September.

“That was very important to see that work done,” regard Cllr McVitty who highlights too where the council developed 43 new houses at Black Ridge, Mullaghduff, Ballyconnell. This development, which received €4.3m in funding, was constructed by local developers Peadar, Andrew and Paul Fay.

“Roads and housing, they're the big things people talk about. We got lighting extended out to the Slieve Russell as well, a major project. There is a lot of work that has taken place in Ballyconnell, a lot of funding has been allocated to the town. There is a lot to be positive about, and a lot of things happening in 2024 as well.”

Along with crediting the council, Cllr McVitty thanked Minister Heather Humphreys for her support for projects in the county.

“It's not being political but it goes to show how important it is to have a voice at the table, and to have a minister who understands rural Ireland.”