Minister Calleary unveils projects supported by over €10 million in funding during visit to Co. Cavan
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From: Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht
- Published on: 7 May 2026
- Last updated on: 7 May 2026
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, today (Thursday, 7 May 2026) visited County Cavan to open several community facilities funded through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
The Minister’s visit began in Kingscourt, where he officially opened the Dún an Rí Forest Park Natural Play Area. This project, funded by the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, involved upgrading the landscape within the park, the building of a natural playground and the installation of a pathway to the two main car parks.
Speaking in Kingscourt, the Minister said:
“The benefit of Cavan County Council, Coillte and my Department working together, developing this wonderful amenity, is evident here today.
“To everyone involved in delivering this project, I commend the passion and commitment shown in your work. Projects like this are an example of how grassroots dedication, along with the engagement of the community, can have a positive impact for local people, businesses and tourism in the area.”
Following this, the Minister turned the sod on the Ballyjamesduff Community and Enterprise Hub which was allocated over €7.65 million under his Department’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
Speaking in Ballyjamesduff, the Minister said:
“It is a great privilege to be here with you this evening to turn the sod on this landmark project for Ballyjamesduff.
“I would like to thank all those involved in this transformative project, which is led by Cavan County Council.
“The Hub, when complete, will act as a focal point for the economic and community regeneration of Ballyjamesduff and its wider hinterland.”
The Minister also officially opened Killykeen Bridge which received investment from the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme for improvements on an iconic footbridge in the forest park. The completed improvements allow for ease of access to trails for walkers, cyclists and users with accessibility issues.
The Minister then travelled to Cavan town, where he opened the enhancement works at Con Smith Park. The works included the development of a masterplan for the park, a new coffee kiosk, wheelchair accessible public toilets, improved accessibility and walking routes, playground extension with sensory play panels and additional seating.
Following this event, the Minister officially opened Ballyconnell Market House, a community remote working and tourism hub. The renovation and redevelopment at Market House was supported with €1.2 million from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
Minister Calleary said:
“The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund is making real and lasting impacts in communities right across the country, as it has here in Ballyconnell. I’m very lucky that I get to open projects like this where Government investment is clear to see and the benefits for the community are obvious.”
Notes
Dún an Rí Forest Park - €625,000 through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme
Ballyjamesduff Community & Enterprise Hub - €7.65 million under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund
Killykeen Bridge - Funding of €323,130 was secured under the Outdoor Recreation and Infrastructure Scheme
Con Smith Memorial Park Enhancement - €500,000 was awarded under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme
Ballyconnell Market House - €1.2 million was awarded under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund
Rural Regeneration and Development Fund
Since 2018, the Fund has approved over €612 million for 272 projects across Ireland. To date, RRDF funding of over €35 million has been allocated to 13 projects located across Co. Cavan.