Cllr Clifford Kelly was elected as cathaiorleach in June.

Fianna Fáil wish all Cavan a Happy Christmas

“This year has been very busy one for all our elected representatives,” Cllr John Paul Feeley told the Celt. “The county has a lot to be proud of in this very difficult year. We, as a party, have done our best to support communities and put in place plans for the future development of Cavan.

“The outlook this time last year was certainly very different from where we are today. The vaccines which have now been taken up in huge numbers were only a distant hope. Hopefully the current increase in Covid numbers will be short-lived and the roll-out of the booster can be done quickly.

“We must acknowledge the marvellous response from across the HSE, in the Vaccination Centres, our GPs and in community pharmacy and test centres in how they have dealt with the added burden Covid has presented, as well as those in our schools who have had their already complex work become even more challenging but have taken all in their stride. These and other frontline workers reflect the best of what we are as a county.

“Across the county our public representatives have worked closely with individuals, community groups, council officials and other state agencies to address the many challenges and chart a more positive future for our communities.

“The government have attempted to undo many of the anti-rural stances of the previous administration. Funding for roads and the LIS have been improved, but much needs to be done. A constant flow of funding has been put in place to try to revitalise towns and villages and improve rural infrastructure. As a council we must be in a position to develop proposals, secure funding and implement these plans. There are a range of projects approved across the county that have benefited from the behind the scenes work of Fianna Fáil elected representatives. Those projects include the Abbeylands Urban Regeneration Cavan Town, the Shannon Pot & Burren Phase 2 Failte Ireland Funding, Virginia Civic Centre and Library and the Bailieborough Courthouse.

“Councillors have also put their weight behind sourcing funding of the development of Ballyconnell Market House, the Cootehill Enterprise Park, and the plans to develop the Cavan Townhall Destination and outdoor performance project.

“Our members have also worked hard to ensure funding for the design stages of the Cavan Regional Sports Campus, and regeneration plans for Kingscourt and Ballyjamesduff. Significant investments in Killykeen and Dún na Rí Forest Park have also been completed with more in the pipeline

“There is a need to provide a variety of housing to address the needs of many families. As councillors we are working to ensure there are more houses built by the council, and to facilitate those who want to build.”

Looking forward to next year Cllr Feeley says: “We will keep the pressure on the council executive to bring forward plans for enterprise spaces across the county, particularly in Virginia, Cootehill and Cavan Town where the council and other state agencies own lands that could be used to create local jobs. We also must grasp the opportunity that working from home or from local hubs can bring.

Cavan has suffered greatly economically and socially since Partition. The Shared Island Unit, established by An Taoiseach, Michael Martin provides a national lead on efforts to address that deficit over the coming years. The Fianna Fáil team will work with the council executive to capitalise on every opportunity to secure funding and better the lives of every community across the county.

“All in Fianna Fáil wish everyone a happy and healthy Christmas, and the best wishes for the New Year.”