Cavan town boundary extension in focus

The urgent requirement to move the Cavan Town Boundary extension process to a conclusion is imperative, according to Labour Town Councillor Des Cullen. He was speaking on his motion at the recent Cavan Town Council meeting, requesting a comprehensive update on a process that had been talked about for about for more than 15 years.The town clerk, Brian Hora, said that detailed colour maps had been prepared in relation to the process. The town Manager, Ger Finn, explained that it may be possible to utilise the by-pass boundary as one side of the proposed boundary. Other boundaries will have to be defined taking into account the outline of various townlands. The task of coming up with the definitive list of rateable properties to be included will require detailed analysis and an equalisation package between the Town Council area and the County Council areas will also have to be put in place. He estimated that the extension would boost the population of the town to around 10,000 people. The County Manager Jack Keyes said it was his understanding that there was a commitment in principle to proceed with the extension of the town boundary. He said it would be predicated on the fact that an equalisation fund would have to be established. He pointed out that there will be some difficulties that will have to be surmounted, because of the differential in rates. "We have to balance that against the benefits that will derive from the extension of the Cavan town boundary. This is a big town now and we have to stick our chests out and move forward," said Mr. Keyes. Study An economic study had been carried out on the town and one of its premier recommendations included the progressing of the boundary extension. He pointed out that a lot of work had been done on the issue by the town clerk, Brian Hora. The chairman Andrew Boylan pointed out to the members that a town with a population of around 10,000 gives out a completely different image, than one with a population of around 4,500, which currently pertains. Cllr. Cullen said that it was not a case any longer of whether the extension was proceeding or not, but how much progress was being made in relation to the process. Councillors Patricia Walsh, Paddy Conaty, Jackie Lewis, Terry Argue, Patrick Sexton and Paddy O'Reilly all welcomed the fact that progress was being made on the matter. Cllr. Argue pointed out that there will be a few battles to be overcome, including one with the department and the other with the county council. He hoped the extension will proceed apace and become a reality. Cllr. Paddy O'Reilly agreed it was of the utmost importance and recalled that it had been first mooted 25 years ago and the town had grown rapidly in the interim. The chairman Andrew Boylan rounded off the debate with the agreement that they will return to the issue in May and discuss it in detail, having studied the maps.