Major projects underway in Cavan
As the festive season is upon us, Deputy Brendan Smith wishes to acknowledge that this time of year can put a lot of pressure on families.
“I fully realise that many households are under pressure at this time,” he told the Celt.
He acknowledged the “severe difficulties” regarding cost of living over the last few years, “particularly since” the war in Ukraine.
Deputy Smith credited the businesses in Cavan which create employment in the town. He also addressed the “challenges” faced by businesses today, including those increased costs over the past few years. “They work extremely hard to retain their employment and to increase their business.
“As a community we owe a great deal of gratitude to our small and medium enterprises who are providing such good employment locally and ensuring that our towns are vibrant.”
Housing
Deputy Smith also acknowledged “we need more houses”.
“We need a greater supply, the government is investing very substantial funding in the provision for housing. €9 billion will be invested nationwide in housing by the government in 2026.”
He also said the social housing programme in Cavan is “very substantial”.
“Again next year, we’ll continue that programme.
“One area that I have particular concern about is the people who are above the income limit for council housing but they are unable because of their limited income to get a loan or a mortgage to buy or build their own home.”
Deputy Smith assured: “Cavan County Council are actively working on developing an affordable housing scheme.”
He also assured this is something he “continuously” campaigns for at government level.
“Housing supply can only be increased when we have key infrastructure in place. We see in Virginia and Ballyjamesduff now massive wastewater schemes under construction at the minute. That increases the capacity and the potential of building more houses in both of those towns.”
Travelling around the county, the work of local voluntary groups becomes apparent in the magical Christmas decorations, which adorn the town and villages.
“That doesn’t happen without a great lot of hard work, effort and fundraising by relatively small committees, and credit is due to all of those groups throughout our towns and villages who make that special effort at Christmas to make our town and villages more attractive.”
Community and sporting groups also received great praise for their efforts in fostering sport in their communities and campaigning for better facilities.
“I want to commend Cavan County Council who assist and support many of those groups in preparing those applications.
“We all know that there has been a welcome increased emphasis on outdoor activity; walking, cycling and we have had many of those routes developed in county Cavan.”
Deputy Smith further praised these amenities in relation to their benefits for local people and also in bringing tourism to the county.
The additional €15M for the Cavan Regional Sports Campus under the PEACEPLUS programme announced in November was also greatly received. Just over one year ago, the then Minister for Sport Thomas Byrne announced €19M under the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Programme.
“That sport campus will be right in the heart of Cavan Town, it’s a regional sports campus and it will have a fabulous range of facilities for so many sporting disciplines.
“It will be a great economic boost to Cavan town and the wider region.”
The ongoing development at the Shannon Pot was also mentioned, as it will be “a major visitor attraction” with the discovery centre. The attraction will incorporate an immersive visitor exhibition and interpretive space, along with reception, café, retail shop, public amenities, and a new 500-metre walking trail. It will also see development of new facilities at the nearby Cavan Burren Park including a unique sky walk through the trees.
He further pledged that the Cavan College of the Future project will be delivered. “An extended Cavan Institute will be able to offer a wider range of courses,” he assured.
Finally, Deputy Smith wished everybody a happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.