Cavan set to directly benefit in 2016 as economic recovery continues – O’Reilly

Fine Gael has a specific plan to keep the recovery going in Cavan according to Fine Gael TD for Cavan/Monaghan, Joe O’Reilly.
“More people returning to work means the Government has more revenue to invest in better services here in Cavan.  It also means lower taxes for working people. Our economic recovery is having a direct impact locally and Fine Gael has a plan for significant improvements in Cavan in 2016.
“In order to make Cavan an attractive place to live, to work and to invest, we must ensure that key services and infrastructures are in place including schools, housing, supports for Gardaí and other local services.
“As part of a national programme to improve our schools and our children’s education, four Cavan schools have been awarded funding for significant upgrades and refurbishments. These schools are St Clare’s Primary School in Cavan, Holy Family Secondary School in Cootehill, Kingscourt Post Primary and Cavan ETB.

“As a result of a €12.5 million investment by the Government, 240 new social housing units will be built in Cavan before 2017. Significantly, the construction of these houses will help create approximately 100 jobs during the building phase. Planning permission has also been granted to build 86 new private units in Cavan.

“A new, state-of-the-art Garda station will be built in Bailieborough, highlighting this Government’s commitment to keeping our communities safe and secure. We have also re-opened Templemore and started recruiting 1,150 new Gardaí. Capital funding of €875 million to invest in Garda stations, vehicles, IT and new burglary laws will also significantly benefit communities in Cavan.

“Agriculture is a key driver of the Cavan economy and 2016 will see more vital payments being made to Cavan farmers. So far in 2015, 3,839 farmers in Cavan received over €18 million in Basic Farm Payments.
“The Government also plans to invest €12.5 million in the Sligo-Leitrim North Counties Railway Greenway through Cavan. This is a key project that will drive local tourism. I am hopeful that funding to begin works will be announced shortly. Support for the tourism industry, including the reduction of VAT on the hospitality sector, has been instrumental in keeping Cavan businesses going through the worst of the recession.
“Over €275 million has been allocated from the National Broadband Plan for the roll out of high speed broadband and SIRO are rolling out high speed broadband in Cavan Town. This is a significant boost for residents and will help attract investment into the area.
“There are also many other amenities which add to quality of life in Cavan and this Government has allocated Sports Capital funding of €856,556 to Cavan clubs and societies for 2016.
“The money that is paying for these improvements to our county is a direct result of the 135,000 new jobs that have been created since the Government launched its Action Plan for Jobs in 2012. For every person who moves from welfare into work the State saves an average of €20,000.
“We have a plan to create more jobs and keep the economic recovery going. As our economy continues to improve and more people return to work, the Government will have more money to invest in public services in Cavan and reduce people’s taxes. This will ensure more people and families feel the benefits of the recovering economy in their own lives.”