‘All about the community!’

The Arvagh Area Development Association is reflecting on another busy and rewarding year and looking forward to advancing a number of projects in 2024.

Joanne Cullen is the secretary of the group and says it’s a team effort all year around. “Arva is all about the community. We have great support along with the CE scheme workers who help us to manage and develop the town. There is great positivity from everyone,” she told the Celt.

The Market House this year was allocated money from the Heritage section at Cavan County Council for upgrade works. Joanne says the community are “absolutely delighted” with the enhancements.

“There has been huge work done to date - new windows, insulation, chimneys, painting and much more,” she outlined of some of the progress.

Arva is renowned as the place where the three provinces meet and, as such, continues as a strong market town between Cavan and Longford.

“It is supported by those local areas, this helps to keep our businesses open and helps the area to go from strength to strength,” says Joanne, who is well-known herself as the popular Arva Barber.

“There is a lot to be proud of: A new walkway from the school carpark down to the Aughnacliffe Road was completed earlier this year; new flower beds done on town entry, planting of nature trees; new benches to sit on, chat or relax and enjoy the surroundings (two on Market Square and two on the new walkway); zebra crossing for safe crossing linking the playground to the school and the crèche.

“Funding was obtained from Cavan County Council and the NTA, this is great to receive as it helps projects to flourish,” said a grateful Joanne. Planning for 2024 has already begun. First up is the return of Bingo on Sunday, February 4, at 8:30pm for the Spring/Summer sessions.

The Arvagh Area Development Association also plans more planting, upgrading the swimming pool/changing rooms amenity and working with the local Tidy Towns committee.

More hands are always welcome to “help with the all the local volunteering groups and much more”.

Joanne concludes: “We are a community and we support each other.”