New houses, road improvements and a welcome to new arrivals

The most significant development for Ballinagh over the last year must be the progress on the new housing estate on the Cavan Road.

Local councillor Winston Bennett is delighted to see the work near completion at Fleming’s Place, and to such a high standard.

The housing project replaces three derelict properties that were previously on the site and represents an investment of €3.3 million.

“These fifteen super houses that have been built will be great news to a lot of young families and people in the local area who have been looking for houses.

“I have to compliment Sandar, a local construction firm which has built these homes to a very high standard - well done!”

The estate is comprised of a mix of two, three, and four-bed properties. The council has made offers to a number of applicants for the new homes.

In terms of important roads for the area Cllr Bennett is pleased to see progress.

“I welcome the announcement that work on the next stage of N55 will be starting early in the New Year, and that those contracts have been signed.

“Also importantly, the development of the safety features at Cashel Cross on the outskirts,” said the Fine Gael councillor.

The area was the scene of a tragic road accident in recent years, and much of the planning work to address the safety concerns have been undertaken in association with TII.

“We hope to see that done in the New Year.”

Admittedly a much smaller project, but nevertheless welcome, was also completed this year: “The car park at the Market House being tarred really helped to freshen up the town - they made a great job of it.”

In the same vein, the trojan work of Ballinagh Tidy towns was highlighted by Cllr Bennett. He’s delighted by the prospects of three large flower displays being installed at the roundabout on the southern end of town, which he predicts “will brighten up that whole area”.

In business, he wished to congratulate Vanilla Bean Patisserie for winning awards and welcomed the new ice cream parlour and coffee shop on the Kilnaleck Road.

In terms of the contribution of Ballinagh Community and Enterprise, Association Cllr Bennett says: “They have done great work around the town, and I must complement them ongoing planting of shrubs and trees along the riverbank. They have brightened up an area that was once an eyesore, turning it into a beauty-spot.”

BCEA also employed an assistant to work in the office in the Credit Union building who is proving a great addition to the team.

In recent months the Credit Union building has hosted the new Folly Tots mother and baby group each Wednesday morning.

“This is growing every week, and is a very welcome addition to Ballinagh,” he said while also expressing gratitude to the Credit Union for still having a positive impact on the town.

Remaining on the community theme, he lauded the Ballinagh Vintage Club for their fundraising effort which saw them generate over €12,000 for the Irish Wheelchair Association through this year’s Sam Bennett Memorial Run.

Of course 2022 will be remembered around the world as the year of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Amongst, the millions of people impacted by the conflict are a group of families forced from their homes and now taking refuge in Ballinagh.

“I’d like to welcome the Ukrainians to Ballinagh. It’s sad that they have to be here and I wish them well, and their families back home.

“I also extend my sympathy to all the bereaved families in the local area who have lost loved ones in the course of the year. It can be a sad time in the run up to Christmas and see an empty chair around.”

Winston concluded by urging everyone to support the local businesses where possible, and said:

“I wish everyone in the local area a merry Christmas and happy New Year.”