€100k to redevelop Bailieborough Courthouse

Funding of €100,000 for the redevelopment of the old courthouse building in Bailieborough as an economic and tourism hub for the town has been announced.

Delivered under the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs' Rural Economic Development Zones (REDZ) Programme, the announcement is exclusive of an application made under the CLÁR programme which is also be finalised shortly.

The funding will provide for the renovation and redevelopment of the old courthouse into a hub for economic regeneration in the town.

Welcoming the funding from her Department, Minister Heather Humphreys commented: “The courthouse is ideally located on the corner of the main street in Bailieborough but it has been vacant for some time now. The danger when a building like this is left unused is that it will fall into a state of dereliction.

“This funding will allow the courthouse to be redeveloped and the plans for the building include a new workspace for local craft workers and artists to produce and showcase their products. A new tourism hub and bicycle rental unit will also be included in the building as will public toilet facilities, something which is lacking in the town at present.”

The redeveloped building will provide community space for use by music schools, senior citizens, youth activities and country markets.

Finally, it is proposed to reinstate a section of the Bridewell jail to its former décor. The itself Bridewell dates back to 1833 and has the potential to be a flagship tourist attraction for the county.

“This project has been developed by Bailieborough Development Association in conjunction with Cavan County Council. I am delighted to be able to support this innovative and exciting proposal as part of this year’s REDZ programme and I look forward to seeing work commence in the near future,” Minister Humphreys said.