Busy year for town development
Ballyjamesduff has seen great improvements this year
Ballyjamesduff has ended another year on a high note, claims Cllr Trevor Smith, grateful for the extensive investment locally.
“After a busy year I finished up my term as Cathaoirleach of Ballyjamesduff and there’s been a lot of projects locally.”
Cllr Smith considers the recent €6.9 million funding announcement for renovations at The Percy French Hotel as one of the main highlights of his year.
“I have to praise the council for the courage for buying the site and then Minister Heather Humphreys announcing this funding. It's a huge thing, it's an iconic building in the town and it's definitely very welcome news in Ballyjamesduff," said the Fine Gael man.
He welcomed the completion of a number of other projects. "At the beginning of the year, the local playground was fully refurbished, which created an enjoyable, safe place for children to play. We had the playground refurbished and reopened early in the year,” says Cllr Smith.
The new €1.5M fire station located down the Rassan road is also nearing completion. “The fire station is due to open before the end of the year,” he confirmed.
The town also received large funding to upgrade Derrylea, Finaway and Kilbride bridges all located on the Granard Road.
The construction works, which are almost complete, widened the road and straightened out a dangerous bend.
"Derrylea Bridge will be finished soon,” enthused the Ballyjamesduff councillor.
Other works completed include flood relief works in Crosskeys, a new recycle centre and school safety measures at Mountnugent.
"I would like to thank the many staff in Cavan County Council for their help and support during the year," he continued.
Construction works aside, Cllr Trevor Smith also commended the Frolics crew for their fantastic show last month.
“We had a great successful run of the frolics and it was sold out every night and it was great community spirit was back, you could see it alive. People were dreary after the Covid and were delighted to be out again.”
Concluding a fantastic year for Ballyjamesduff, Cllr Smith asked everyone to support their local businesses as much as possible this festive season: “I just ask people to support our local business and wish everyone a peaceful happy Christmas.”