Redhills

Back Row: Conor McMahon, Redhills Development Association (RDA); John Kelly, treasurer RDA; Cllr Carmel Brady; Cllr Val Smith; Cllr Niall Smith; Deputy Brendan Smith; Cllr Stiofán Conaty; Lorraine Fay, Bridget Reilly and Kevin McCarron, all RDA; front, Noel Faulkner, treasurer RDA; Allen McAdam of McAdam Consultants; Philip Hayes, chairperson RDA; Geraldine West, secretary RDA and Alan Sheridan, RDA

Five-year rejuvenation plan for Redhills

Redhills

Published: Tue 10 Jun 2025, 3:08 PM

Killoughter hall was a hive of excitement and optimism last Thursday (June 5) following the launch of the Redhills five-year strategic plan.

The Redhills Development Association has spearheaded this project since early 2024. Aided by LEADER funding, the association has developed a strategic plan to serve as a road map for the rejuvenation of picturesque village.

Led by McAdam Consultants, a 110-page document was drawn up after five months of research, surveys, SWOT analysis and questionnaires.

Alan McAdam went through the findings with those assembled last week. Like many rural towns, Redhills has felt the pinch demographically, with higher than average age dependency rates, coupled with a rising HP Deprivation score. The area is in urgent need of investment and incentives to bring new people to the area. The plan sets out the underlying strengths of the area, its rich social history and the bustling times from the two films in the early 1990s - The Playboys and the Run of the Country.

With the prospect of the Greenway and Ulster Canal, Redhills geographically is considered a great location for Cavan tourism. Like many towns, it has 22 derelict buildings but these will soon be targeted for repurpose and redevelopment.

Along with these plans will be the proposal to safely connect the village with its school and parish church/hall via safe footpaths. Shannow Wood is another unique selling point for Redhills, with plans looking to develop trails, walkways and also promote the mass rock.

There were contributions too from Fine Gael councillor Carmel Brady, who spoke highly about the Redhills community and urged people to get behind the plan. “Small wins and gather momentum,” she said.

Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith echoed these sentiments, as did other public representatives, Val Smith (FG), Niall Smith (FF) and Stiofan Conaty (SF).

Those gathered also showed their appreciation for the work of the development association led by chairman Philip Hayes, secretary Geraldine West, treasurers John Kelly and Noel Faulkner and committee members Kevin McCarron, Brigid Reilly, Lorraine Fay, Alan Sherdian and Conor McMahon.

Thanks was offered too to John Toland of Cavan Leader; John Donohoe, Chief Officer, Cavan LCDC; all the staff of Cavan County Local Development; and Cavan County Council and Breffni Integrated CLG for their help in securing the funding.

For a copy of the plan or to get involved contact Redhills Development Association or email: redhillsdevelopmentassociation@gmail.com