Demand to extend library opening hours in towns in the west of the county

The reduction of opening hours for libraries in Belturbet and Ballyconnell were highlighted by a local councillor who sought to have the measure explained, and reversed.

Independent Brendan Fay said he had received a “lot of calls” after the opening hours in Ballyconnell were reduced to one day, and Belturbet to two.

His motion was supported by Fianna Fáil’s John Paul Feeley who asked if the respective libraries had the “required infrastructure” to meet demand. He too said there needed to be “more opening hours”.

There was support too from Fine Gael’s Peter McVitty.

Responding, Director of Services Brendan Jennings said he was unaware why hours had been cut, but that he would ask and have a reply by the next meeting.

Chair of the MD, Patricia Walsh (FF) said she was aware of the importance of libraries through her grandchildren. She herself said there was “nothing better than sitting down with a good book”.

Drumelis path and road improvements

Councillors were told they must "wait and see" the outcome of proposals to install a footpath on the L-1513-0 Drumelis (Golf Club to Farnham School) Road before road improvements can be carried out on the short stretch of road.

There was plenty of input from elected members at their January monthly meeting, several of whom highlighted the potential dangers for young children attempting to walk to school.

MD chair and Fianna Fáil councillor Patricia Walsh said a footpath was “badly needed”, and welcomed last week’s allocations made by the National Transport Authority (NTA) to Cavan County Council for walking and cycling infrastructure under the Active Travel Scheme 2023.

The Drumelis to golf course footpath link was allocated €30,000, while the Cavan Town footpath link to Farnham NS received €50,000. The area also stands to benefit from €120,000 allocated to phase two of the Cavan Town Urban Greenway, and €136,000 for the Loreto School to Cavan Town Active Travel Scheme.

Senior Engineer Paul Mulligan noted that it would be “good” to get all works “done together”.