Fianna Fáil Councillor John Paul Feeley and Chairperson of the Economic SPC of Cavan County Council has reacted with disappointment to the announcement of only € 146,000 for projects in County Cavan under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) announced Thursday 14th February 2019.
‘Cavan County Council had put forward comprehensive applications for Virginia, Cootehill, Ballyjamesduff and Kingscourt, plans carefully developed in conjunction with local councillors, community groups and local businesses. These plans were done in line with the Local Economic and Community Plan approved by the County Council and the Local Community Development Committee. In response to all of that Minister Ring provided a total allocation of € 146,000 for County Cavan of € 62 million nationally announced to much hype by the Minister along with Minister Humphrey and Minister of State Canney. To say that I am underwhelmed by this announcement is an understatement. It is a very poor allocation. It puts the plans of the Council to start the regeneration of some of our towns back and also delays the plans for the other towns throughout the Cavan which we as a local authority had intended to progress in coming years.’
‘Amongst the most progressive plans was that to develop an extension to the Ramor Theatre, a new library, car park and amenity for the Town. The funding available to date will not complete this exciting project.’
“ I am hugely disappointed for the towns involved and the other towns and villages which should be included in years to come. I am disappointed for the Council officials who have put so much effort into these plans and most especially I am disappointed for the volunteers in these towns who helped craft these applications and who take up the challenge of community economic and social development on a daily basis. This accountment is an insult to them.’
Concluding, Councillor Feeley pointed out that he had asked the Fine Gael members of the Council to organise a cross party delegation along with officials from the County Council to meet Minster Ring in advance of he and his Department making a decision on this announcement but that meeting never took place.
‘Despite having a Minister, Senator and seven County Councillors in the Government Party, it seems County Cavan has little influence in the corridors of power at present.’
ENDS