GOOD NEWS

I welcome the approval by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, of 2 projects in Cavan Town submitted by Cavan County Council in respect of upgrading of infrastructure and housing developments. The developments are in the general Station Road area and Drumlark area.

These projects have been approved under the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund. Infrastructure upgrading with an indicative cost of €20 million includes road improvements, footpaths, road safety, drainage, lighting, ancillary civil works, upgrading of Uisce Éireann network and further investment in Cavan Waste Water Treatment Plant. ESB Networks will also be investing in their grid capacity locally. In view of the demand for additional housing improved infrastructure across all these services is vital and is beneficial for the entire town.

Monaghan County Council also submitted 2 successful applications in respect of Rooskey Lands and improved access and Monaghan Town Southern Access Road.

This Investment Fund enables local authorities to plan for future growth and increased housing supply is essential. Additional housing supply is dependent on having appropriate infrastructure and services in place. I commend the County Councils in Cavan and Monaghan in their detailed and successful submissions in relation to local needs.