A long-term vision for infrastructure

- A message from Eoin Doyle, Chief Executive, Cavan County Council -

As 2025 draws to a close, it offers us all a moment to pause and reflect on the year gone by. For Cavan County Council, it is a chance to take stock of the achievements of the past twelve months and consider the challenges and opportunities that await in 2026. This year has seen us make significant progress across all sections and despite the many demands facing local government, our staff and elected members have worked tirelessly to deliver projects that will benefit the people of Cavan for generations to come.

Housing is one of the major challenges of our time, and this year Cavan County Council has made great strides in increasing the amount of available social housing in the county. In February, contracts were signed for a €2.5 million housing development in Cootehill, while in November, we signed contracts for ten new A-rated homes in Kilnaleck. In December, we were pleased to sign contracts for Phase 3 of the St Brigid’s Terrace development, delivering 20 new homes, along with the signing of a contract for 4 new homes at the former Flynn’s licenced premises in Belturbet, a combined investment of more than €6 million in housing.

These projects form part of our commitment under the Government’s Housing for All strategy, which will see Cavan County Council deliver 514 homes by the end of 2026, exceeding our original target of 490 units. Other initiatives such as the Croí Cónaithe Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant have also breathed new life into unused properties, revitalising our towns and villages, with over €5 million in grants paid out to date.

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The year gone by also saw several major infrastructure projects advance at pace. In January. Major town-centre regeneration projects in Kingscourt, Cootehill, and Ballyjamesduff saw significant progress, while in May, enabling works began at Abbeylands in Cavan Town, paving the way for construction work to commence later this year on this transformative civic space. Elsewhere, Rural Regeneration Development Funding was secured to support the initial planning and design phase of a regeneration project at Main Street, Bailieborough.

A number of major transport infrastructure projects continued to progress during the year, with the N55 Ballinagh Traffic Relief Scheme having undergone multiple phases of public consultation, following hot on the heels of the successful completion of the N55 Corduff South of Killydoon Realignment Scheme. Meanwhile, the N3 Virginia Bypass, a project of strategic national importance, continued through its planning and design stages, an important milestone in delivering long-term traffic and accessibility benefits for the town and surrounding region.

Alongside these major national projects, road maintenance, safety upgrades, drainage works, and footpath improvements continued routinely countywide.

As well as improving quality of life through major infrastructure projects, Cavan County Council recognises the special place culture and art hold in Cavan people’s lives. Cavan County Council was proud to support the Cavan Arts Festival once again this year through the Arts Office and the Creative Ireland programme, helping to bring vibrant performances and inspiring exhibitions to communities across the county. We also played a central role in Culture Night in September, opening our doors to free entry community-led events in galleries, studios, historic houses, and outdoor venues. Our libraries and the Creative Cavan initiative continue to educate and inspire.

One of the year’s standout achievements came in October, when we secured a further €15 million in funding for the Cavan Regional Sports Campus through the PEACEPLUS programme. This investment will deliver a state-of-the-art indoor arena and multiuse facility of regional significance, supporting health, wellbeing, sport, youth programmes, education, and cross community engagement for generations to come. This achievement builds on the county’s long-term vision for major recreational and athletic infrastructure.

Cultural heritage and tourism also shone throughout 2025. The World War I Trench Experience at Cavan County Museum reopened in September after extensive renovation, reaffirming its status as one of Ireland's most immersive historical attractions. In August, Heritage Week once again brought our county’s rich history to life through a vibrant nine-day programme with events aimed to highlight sites and stories that don’t get the spotlight.

The county’s cross border and economic development work grew further this year. Through Shared Island funding, the UNESCO designated Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark gained substantial investment to enhance trail networks and visitor experiences. Last month, representatives from Cavan also joined colleagues from the Upper Shannon–Erne region in

London to promote the county as a destination for investment and enterprise, showcasing Cavan’s talent, innovation, and business potential to UK audiences.

International links were further strengthened in June through a delegation visit to Butte, Montana, marking 150 years of shared Irish American heritage. In September, we welcomed our dear friends from Kürnach, Germany, to renew the Friendship Pact first signed in 2016. This visit celebrated our shared heritage linked to St Kilian and strengthened our cultural ties.

Community engagement and environmental action continued to thrive this year. In March, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme was launched, along with initiatives such as the Local Enhancement Programme helped to support community groups with grants, while the Cavan Community Forest Initiative provided training and resources for groups to create pocket forests. These efforts reflect our commitment to sustainability and vibrant rural life.

I would also like to commend the dedication of our Fire Service and Civil Defence teams, who work tirelessly all year to keep our communities safe. Their swift response during Storm Éowyn – aided by our committed municipal district and roads workers – was nothing short of extraordinary and helped to ensure public safety in extremely challenging conditions. I also wish to acknowledge the incredible community spirit shown by local volunteers and residents, whose efforts during the storm demonstrated the community spirit that lies at the heart of County Cavan.

There are too many projects to name on these pages, but I hope this snapshot of the work of the local authority over the past year goes some way towards conveying the quantity and quality of services delivered by your council.

On a personal note, I extend my heartfelt thanks to our employees, Cathaoirleach, elected members, and the people of Cavan for their support and resilience throughout the year. On behalf of the management and staff of Cavan County Council I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy New Year.

Le gach dea-ghuí don Nollaig agus don Bhliain Nua.