Masterplan for Virginia site moves a step closer

Tenders have been received and are “currently being evaluated” in respect of the preparation of a masterplan to map out the development of a near 80-acre site on the outskirts of Virginia.

The lands at Burrencarragh were purchased by Cavan County Council at a time when decisions were being made at national level over whether or not to develop a new regional hospital for the north eastern region at a more central location.

South of Virginia, the lands are situated just off the N3 and close to Glanbia and AW Ennis. They are referred to as a “strategic employment site” in the Cavan County Development Plan 2022-28. Together with progress being made in respect of the Virginia Bypass route, the council has sought to appoint an ‘Architect or Town Planning LDT Team’ (Architect / Town Planner, Transport Consultant).

Any development of the land will be done in consultation with the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, as per the CDP 2022-28.

The future development of the Burrencarragh lands was linked to the preferred route identified for the long-awaited Virginia bypass, with a completion date of 2031.

Included in the National Development Plan, tendering is earmarked to begin in 2026, with construction expected to start in 2028.

Linking Derver to Lisgrey, and running north of Lough Ramor, ‘Route C’ connects to both Burrencarragh and the R195 Oldcastle road, and could include as many as three roundabouts - at either end, with another forming a junction at the R178 Bailieborough Road unless overpassed.

An unnamed US-based pet food company previously examined the site; while a local firm also approached the local authority about the prospect of building warehousing on the lands. However, that approach was turned down and the investment was delivered outside of the county.