Council buy former Glan post office

The council has completed the purchase of the derelict former post office in Glangevlin as well as an area of surrounding land with a view to developing a tourist information point, toilet block and related facilities.

The move was confirmed by Fianna Fáil County Councillor John Paul Feeley.

"There is huge investment coming in terms of the Shannon Pot and the Phase 2 of Cavan Burren Park," explained Cllr Feeley. "It is also vital that we give a visitor the opportunity to stop off, learn about and experience other activities while in West Cavan. Glangevlin is a unique area and the development of this site will give us an opportunity to tell a little bit of the story of this community."

The provision of an interpretation point in Glangevlin has been included in the draft Cuilcagh Masterplan Feasibility Study funding by the Government under the Shared Island Programme for local authorities, announced by the then Taoiseach, Michael Martin TD in Cavan in 2022.

"While the proposal is at concept stage, the idea is to have a facility, akin to that at Cavan Burren Park, an unmanned, open building with information on Glangevlin, a focus on Ard Scoil Breifne and the story of the Gaeltacht in Glangevlin and the wider history of the area, toilet facilities, parking, services of hikers and cyclists, an area for a coffee cart or the like," said Cllr Feeley. "The building will be the focal point for the development of new walking routes which can be developed in the years ahead also."

He added that with a site secured more detailed planning can now commence, with design to take place as well an application for "all-important" funding.

"At least now we have a starting point," said Cllr Feeley, who concluded by noting that the wider plan for Cuilcagh looks at a "number of aspects" including developing other information points at Tullydermot, Swanlinbar, Blacklion, Bawnboy, Blacklion and Dowra, mainly utilising existing buildings, and improving access to the area.

By developing additional tourist amenities, by "managing access to sensitive environmental area" and ultimately developing a "sustainable tourist product" Cllr Feeley hopes visitors to the Shannon Pot Discovery Centre and Cavan Burren Park will stay locally and not simply jump "back into a car or bus" and leave the area. "Having a plan forms the basis for future funding applications."