€100,000 Market Square facelift gets underway

Business people in Cavan Town are optimistic that the rejuvenated Cavan Town Market Square will bring more people into the centre of town, writes Thomas Lyons. Work got underway this morning (Tuesday) on the ambitious initiative.

The project, undertaken by Cavan County Council, aims to create a new, modern focal point in the town in an effort to increase accessibility to the town centre. It is anticipated that it will encourage people into the town centre and provide a shared space for hosting community events.
A statement from the local authority said: “The project will see the re-paving of the Market Square and the removal of the existing fountain to open out the space and make it more suitable for events. The paving will also incorporate a 9m by 7m ‘footprint’ of the original market house, which was located to the front of the present post office.”
The overall cost of the project is estimated at €100,000. The bulk of the funding, around 85%, was made available under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. The remainder of the monies came from Cavan County Council. Partners in the project include Cavan Chamber and Cavan Town Team, with the work carried out by contractors Sammy Wilkin and Co.
Cavan County Council said: “Every effort will be made to minimise disruption to traffic, pedestrians, and traders. The work is scheduled to be completed by 1st December and the first event to be hosted in the revitalised Market Square will be the Taste of Cavan Christmas Market, which runs from 8-10 December. The new Square layout will allow the number of stalls in this year’s market to increase from eight to 14.”
Eddie Coleman, president of the Cavan Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the plans: “Any betterment to the heart of the town has got to be welcomed. It will certainly be an improvement for the town.”
He acknowledged that any such works come at a price: “There is no gain without a little pain. They have been in contact with the businesses in the area and let them know what they are in for over the coming weeks.”
The Market Square is part of the rich history of the town. It came into being in 1855. The old market, up to then, was held at the top of Bridge Street and was renowned for potatoes, butter and turf. The entry was marked by an arch and the current Post Office building used to be the Court House. Markets were held in the Square right up to the middle of the 20th century.
 

Inconvenience

Daca Silova of Carol’s Home Bakery is pleased that the project is going ahead but feels that there was a lack of communication about the commencement of the works. Daca was approached about six months ago about the plans but only received notification of the start date the day before.
“I am a little unprepared for it. If I had known a week or two in advanced I could have made arrangements. They [the council] did not tell me when it is starting. It will disrupt business. I see people get a bit frustrated when they come to my corner and they want to go to the post office,” she said.
Daca was at pains to point out that she was very much in favour of the renovation: “I don’t want to sound like I am complaining. It is the heart of Cavan Town and it is important that it looks good. It is a bit of an inconvenience at present. I hope it won’t affect business too much and that it won’t go on too long.”
The businessperson outlined one problem she hoped would be addressed in the renovation: “Of course the town needs to be tidied up, hopefully they will be able to do something about the pigeons.”
Another businessperson who operates adjacent to the square is Philip King of King Communication: “I am very positive about it. I think it is a brilliant idea. That part of the town needs a little lift. It is the focal point of the town. There is space for musicians or traders, or a farmers market. It is a very good opportunity,” he said.
“I have been told that there is not going to be a lot of digging. We would not want it continuing until the end of November, that may affect the Christmas trade. I am very glad to see the council doing it and I am very thankful to them for making the changes. There is always going to be a bit of pain with work like this,” Philip concluded.