Further €415K to regenerate Bailieboro

Town Centre project to be delivered within 12 months

A further investment of €415,000 has been confirmed for the Bailieborough Town Regeneration project, which has been described by Minister Heather Humphreys as a “game changer”.

While preliminary works have started, it expected the project will take 12 months to complete.

Some €1.4 million was previously allocated in 2021 under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), however the figure was expected to fall short of what’s required due to inflation costs.

Cavan County Council submitted a detailed proposal to the Department seeking additional funding, which was approved last week.

An extra €415,000 will now be allocated to support the local authority to deliver the project. Cavan County Council is also providing match funding.

Bailieborough was chosen as the first town in County Cavan under this initiative and early-stage work has commenced to see how best town centre regeneration can be encouraged through a range of economic, social and cultural projects and initiatives.

The project will involve the redevelopment of a derelict building in the town centre as an economic, community and cultural hub to include a visitor centre, museum and cultural and exhibition spaces.

As part of the proposal from Cavan County Council, the visitor centre will tell the story of Bailieborough and the surrounding areas.

It will represent the first Plantation museum in Ireland and will also include remote working and youth facilities.

Minister for Rural and Community Development and local TD Heather Humphreys allocated the additional €415,000 to complete the “gamechanger” regeneration project.

Making the announcement, Minister Humphreys said: “Given the current inflation pressures, we do from time to time receive submissions for additional funding. Cavan’s case was considered by my Department’s Rural Regeneration Unit and was found to be a strong one.

“I believe firmly that the Bailieborough Courthouse Economic and Tourism Hub will be a gamechanger. It will deliver so many economic and social benefits for the region as a whole.”

Caroline Brady was appointed as Town Regeneration Officer in recent months, and has been liaising closely with business owners and local residents to create a plan.

“The purpose of the Town Centre First Master Plan is to take a holistic approach to town centre development,” outlined Caroline following her appointment.

“This will include looking at all aspects of the town centre including public realm, retail offering, movement throughout the town, traffic, parking, walking, reuse of vacant properties, community services and facilities – as part of this we will be exploring all potential projects and funding streams.”

Local Fianna Fáil TD Niamh Smyth had also pushed the project and the need for a dedicated Town Regeneration Officer to oversee it.

Deputy Brendan Smith (FF) and Bailieborough based Senator Joe O’Reilly (FG) also welcomed news of the additional funding to deliver the project.