Latest news with #CavanCountyCouncil
Irish Daily Mirror
03-07-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ex-county council chairman pleads guilty to theft of over €170,000 from charity
A former history-making Fine Gael chairman of Cavan County Council has pleaded guilty to the theft of money from a mental health charity. Sean McKiernan, 43, from Trinity Bungalow, Virginia Road, Bailieborough, was charged with 58 counts of theft at various unknown locations within the State from Navan Mental Health Housing Association six years ago, in 2019. The sums varied between €500 and €7,500 and the total amount involved in the theft was €172,000, which was revealed at a previous court date. Carey was due to stand trial in the case before a judge and jury. However, on Thursday he appeared before Judge John Martin at Trim Circuit Court, where his counsel said 'progress can be made' in the case. McKiernan was then arraigned on two sample counts, 1 and 58, on the charge sheets. He pleaded guilty to theft under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Theft and Fraud Act that, on March 26, 2019 at a location unknown in the State, did steal €5,230 from Navan Mental Health Housing Association. He further pleaded guilty to theft under the same act that, on April 6, 2020 at a location unknown in the State, he did steal €800 from Navan Mental Health Housing Association. Counsel for McKiernan said a sentencing hearing date is required and said it 'should take 40 minutes'. Judge Martin remanded McKiernan on continuing bail to appear before the court again on October 29 'for a date for sentencing to be fixed'. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week Dressed in a navy blazer and cream trousers, McKiernan only addressed the court to confirm his name and to enter his guilty pleas. McKiernan made history in 2011 when he was elected the youngest ever chairman, or Cathaoirleach, of Cavan County Council. He was a Fine Gael councillor for the Bailieborough electoral area from 2007 to 2014. He was also a member of Cavan/Monaghan Education Training Board (ETB) and served a term as its Cathaoirleach in 2016. He was actively involved in hosting the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Cavan Town in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and in developing the West Cavan Burren Geopark as well as the Taste of Cavan Festival. McKiernan previously worked with the former Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation Damien English and was nominated to the Seanad Election 2016 by the Restaurants Association of Ireland.
RTÉ News
03-07-2025
- RTÉ News
Breaking Ex-cathaoirleach pleads guilty to €172,000 theft from charity
A former cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council has pleaded guilty to the theft of just over €172,000 from a Co Meath charity. Seán McKiernan, with an address at Trinity Bungalow, Virginia Road, Bailieborough in Co Cavan, was charged with 58 counts of theft at various unknown locations within the State. The charges relate to thefts in amounts ranging from €500 to €7,500 from Navan Mental Health Housing Association on dates in 2019. McKiernan, 43, appeared before Judge John Martin at Trim Circuit Court, where the former Fine Gael councillor pleaded guilty to two sample charges. The first sample count relates to the theft of €5,230 on 26 March 2019 at an unknown location, while the second count involves the theft of €800 from the Meath-based charity on the 6 April 2020. McKiernan was a councillor for the Bailieborough electoral area from 2007 to 2014. He made history in 2011 when, at age 29, he was elected as the youngest ever Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council. He was a member of the Cavan Monaghan Education Training Board and served a term as its chair. McKiernan was also a member of the national executive of Fine Gael for over a decade. Free legal aid was previously granted to Mr McKiernan in the form of a solicitor and two barristers. Judge Martin remanded McKiernan on continuing bail to appear before Trim Circuit Court on 21 October next for a sentencing date to be set.
Irish Independent
12-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
New report highlights ‘transformative potential' of Sligo to Enniskillen Greenway project
The report, titled 'An economic vision for the Sligo to Enniskillen Greenway (SLNCR)' is designed as a working document to inform future planning and funding strategies, rather than a fixed plan or guarantee of outcomes. The report was developed by Sligo County Council as lead, in partnership with Leitrim County Council, Cavan County Council, and Fermanagh/Omagh District Council. The study, funded under a successful application to the Shared Island Development funding initiative, and prepared by Urban Foresight, highlights the proposed greenway's potential to support rural development, sustainable tourism, and local enterprise along the route. It offers a practical framework for how local authorities, businesses, and communities might plan for and respond to the potential opportunities which may be presented by the project. While the greenway infrastructure is still at an early stage, the economic vision allows early considerations develop for business and communities in the region to look at possible projects and enterprises linked with the greenway on transport, accommodation, food, and other local and cultural facilities and experiences. It should be noted that the study is not taking any position on route selection and is focusing only on the opportunities that could emerge from a greenway. The report highlights how the SLNCR Greenway can become a powerful engine for sustainable rural development by attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, and opening new investment opportunities. 'This greenway is not just a route—it's a pathway to economic and community revitalisation,' said Cllr Casserly. 'It offers a unique opportunity to connect towns and villages, attract new types of visitors, and create vibrant local economies.' The greenway will likely cater to a wide range of users, from families and casual walkers to more serious cyclists, with particular focus on ebikes—a rapidly growing sector that suits the region's terrain and accessibility goals. Key opportunities identified for local businesses include: New footfall for cafés, pubs, and restaurants near the route, increased demand for bike hire, ebike services, and accessible cycling, opportunities for tour operators and activity providers, boosts to accommodation, transport services, and retail and spillover benefits for attractions, events, and remote working tourism. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more To maximise its impact, the report identifies nine key conditions for success, including strong branding, public-private collaboration, enhanced cycling and transport infrastructure, cultural investment, and protection of the natural environment. 'This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity,' said Cllr Casserly. 'We must work together—local councils, communities, and businesses—to ensure the SLNCR Greenway delivers lasting social and economic benefits.' Cllr Casserly also welcomed the report's call for a clear marketing strategy and a strong, unified brand that highlights the greenway's identity as an 'accessible wilderness'—a place for healthy, family-friendly, sustainable adventure. Public engagement will play a central role in naming and shaping the route, with a transparent process to ensure community voices are heard and reflected in the final identity. Cllr Casserly added: 'The SLNCR Greenway will be more than a journey through our landscape—it will be a journey towards a stronger, greener, more connected regional economy.' This project is to provide a greenway from Sligo town to Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, passing through Collooney, Ballintogher, Dromahair, Manorhamilton, Glenfarne, Blacklion, Belcoo and Letterbreen on the way. The project is named after the Sligo, Leitrim and Northern Counties Railway (SLNCR) which operated as a 75 km railway line linking Enniskillen in Co. Fermanagh to Collooney, Co. Sligo where it connected with the Sligo-Dublin line. The report has now been made public and copies are available through the Local Community Development Committee of Sligo County Council.
Irish Independent
11-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
No new housing adaption grants being accepted in Cavan as unrelenting demand forces hand of local authority bosses to enforce ‘temporary pause' on scheme
Senior officials have said the unprecedented measure to temporarily pause new applications was being taken with immediate effect in order to meet existing demand and tackle those applications which are deemed to be most in need. 'Due to significant demand and the high volume of applications already processed in 2025, Cavan County Council will temporarily pause the general acceptance of new applications for Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People (HAGs), Mobility Aids Grants (MAGs), and Housing Aid for Older People (HOPs),' a spokesperson said. 'This measure will take place with immediate effect. 'Regrettably, this is a necessary measure to ensure existing commitments are met and to prioritise those applicants with the most urgent medical and care needs.' The Housing Adaptation Grants scheme supports private homeowners who need to carry out essential works to improve accessibility or living conditions, particularly for older people and those living with disabilities. Under current regulations, local authorities like those in Cavan contributes 15-20pc to each approved grant. The spokesperson said the local authority was particularly mindful of the importance of the scheme in allowing those who fall under its remit to continue to live independently. That said, and in order to cope with demand only those applications from persons who are in the most urgent category will be prioritised for the time being. 'Cavan County Council recognises the scheme aims to support vulnerable members of the community to remain in their homes and within their communities for as long as possible,' added the spokesperson. 'Therefore, going forward, only Priority 1 applications will be assessed. This will be done on a case-by-case basis and will be funding dependent. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more 'Priority 1 applications relate to cases where the person is terminally ill or primarily dependent on family or a carer or where adaptations to the home would support them leaving hospital/residential care. "All other unapproved applications other than Priority 1 currently on hand or received will be returned to the applicants advising them that a temporary pause on the scheme has taken effect.' Local authority bosses said a review will be conducted in October as to whether to recommence the scheme which, it said, would be subject to funding and the present demand for Priority 1 applications.
Irish Independent
06-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Landmark Cavan tourism amenity and country's fifth most visited forest park primed for significant infrastructural upgrade
Local authority bosses, in partnership with State forestry company Coillte, have announced plans to carry out the upgrade at Killykeen Forest Park. The current bridge at the 240 acre park was originally constructed in the early 1990s, creating a vital link between Killeshandra and the forest park. The facility's ever increasing popularity coincided in its naming last August as the fifth most visited forest park in the country. That rise to prominence on foot of its near 90,000 annual visitors allied to years of exposure to the elements necessitated the need for an upgrade, council bosses said. "The bridge's timber components now require replacement, and its narrow width has become unsuitable for the growing number of users, particularly cyclists,' said a spokesperson. "These upgrades will see the install of a wider pedestrian bridge, appropriately designed to sit in this beautiful and special landscape and will meet the demands of increased usage, ensuring it continues to serve as a key connector within the park.' In a move to reduce onsite disruption, the main construction of the new bridge structure will be carried out off-site with a pontoon being inserted across the water as a 'temporary measure' in order to maintain accessibility during the project. "This will allow uninterrupted access for walkers, runners, and cyclists using the popular Killykeen Way, which connects the forest park to Killeshandra,' added the spokesperson. To protect the surrounding environment, a suite of measures will be taken to minimise ecological impact during construction, the council have maintained. Brendan Jennings, Director of Services, Cavan County Council said the six week estimated project which is due to get underway in just over a week's time could not be understated. 'This project represents an important investment in local infrastructure and recreational amenity,' he said. 'The refurbished footbridge will enhance the user experience, preserve access to beloved local trails, and ensure that Killykeen Forest Park remains a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.'
