Demolition works well underway at Percy French Hotel

Demolition works have commenced at the Percy French Hotel - a former landmark building in Ballyjamesduff - with the project set to provide a community, tourism and enterprise hub for the town.

Appointed by Cavan County Council, main contractors Sandar Construction began initial site works in November 2025. The project is expected to span two years, with completion anticipated in 2027. “We’re excited to see this innovative project take shape and look forward to sharing updates as work progresses,” a spokesperson for Sandar Construction said.

The development will see the careful retention and full refurbishment of the original three-storey building along Dublin Street, including the restoration of its historic front entrance. The existing structure will undergo comprehensive internal and external fabric upgrades and will accommodate meeting and office spaces, as well as a café at ground floor level.

All structures to the rear of the former hotel, along Stradone Street, are being demolished to facilitate the construction of a new two-storey contemporary extension. The new flat-roofed building will occupy the remainder of the site and will include multipurpose spaces, community enterprise units, conference and meeting rooms, office accommodation, storage facilities, kitchen areas, a central courtyard, and passenger lifts. Public realm improvements, including the installation of benches along the Stradone Street elevation, will create an important civic space within the town centre.

Cavan County Council has secured €7,651,195 in funding for the project through the Rural Regeneration Development Fund. The Council will provide match funding from its own resources. Cooney Architects are leading the architect-led design team for the significant redevelopment.

Chief Executive of Cavan County Council, Eoin Doyle, described the restoration as “significant”, noting that tackling dereliction and revitalising towns remains a key priority for the local authority. “This hugely exciting project will breathe new life into Ballyjamesduff,” he said.

The Council also welcomed the appointment of a local contractor, highlighting that the investment by both the Department and Cavan County Council will support local employment and provide a boost to the regional economy.