Shop local this Christmas - urges Cllr Brady
Works will get underway in the new year on a major revamp of St Michael's Hall in what will be a major boost to local community groups.
The project was granted almost €6.2M by the Deparment of Rural & Community Development, announced by Heather Humphreys when she was still Minister there.
Fine Gael's Carmel Brady is excited to see the project come to fruition following a period of consultation, surveys and open days in the hall.
"It is planned that builders will be on site in early 2026," she told the Celt.
"This will be a game changer for the town, local schools and surrounding communities as part of the plan is to have a full-sized basketball court, which can be changed to smaller courts for lots of other games and uses."
Cllr Brady also looks forward to "more" meeting rooms and all-purpose rooms for use by groups like the women’s shed, local poets, musicians and drama groups "to name but a few".
Separately, the former Bank of Ireland building was purchased by Cavan County Council and is "already under construction" with the Town Team agreeing that a "permanent" youth space is a "top priority" with remaining space to be used for the wider community.
After receiving funding through Active Travel scheme grants, the first phase of the work on the Station Road has been completed and the next phase has commenced. It will bring the redevelopment out to the Comprehensive school, which Cllr Brady says will encourage teenagers and young people attending local schools to walk and cycle.
Multiple new housing developments have come to the Cootehill area in recent times, with others progressing. They include 18 townhouses on the green area and 44 houses at Lois na Rí where planning permission has been granted. These homes will all be social and affordable, Cllr Brady revealed.
There are also six houses at the Errigal, which are "built and ready to be taken over by the council"; six townhouses or apartments on Market Street, which have been built and allocated to tenants; and eight townhouses or apartments on Bridge Street with planning permission granted.
Tidy Towns
Cllr Brady further praised the "hard working" volunteers in the Tidy Town group, of which she is an active member, for keeping the town looking well.
"We are always looking for extra help so, if you have an hour to spare anytime, do not hesitate to contact me or any of the group members, you will be more than welcome."
Shop local
With such a bustling market town, Cllr Brady urged people to shop local this Christmas.
"Remember a voucher from any Cootehill business is a very welcome gift, also diesel or petrol vouchers from our fuel stations. Remember where we go to for sponsorship and spot prizes during the year for our fundraising events, we can pay them back now by shopping local."