Yesterday Tuesday 22nd June I attended a Community Grants meeting of Co. Council.

Amongst local Bailieborough groups to benefit are: Bailieborough Twinning Society – €500, Bailieborough G.F.C. – €600, Bailieborough Foroige – €500, the East Cavan Swim Club – €800, and Barora Park Residents’ Association – €400.

In the wider Bailieborough Electoral Area/East Cavan the groups included: Tullyvin Tidy Village Committee – €500, Kingscourt Gardening Club – €500, Kingscourt Boxing Club – €800, Kingscourt Active Retirement – €1,000, Shercock Day Care Group – €500, Kingscourt Festival Committee – €350.

Well done to all of the local groups concerned.  The professionalism of their work and track record ensured their success!

Find out more about community and voluntary supports and the work of Cavan Community and Voluntary Forum at: www.cavancommunity.ie

On foot of a motion passed with all party agreement at yesterday’s County Council meeting I was interviewed on Northern Sound news today this lunchtime about Cavan County Council and other local/public authorities implementing a graduate work placement scheme. With suitable ground work with FAS and the Department of Social Protection these people should be able to take up these opportunities without losing their social welfare payments. This will also give graduates vital experience and enhance their CVs.

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On foot of my own representations and those of colleague Co. Councillors and Senator Joe O’Reilly I very much welcome the news that pedestrian linkages between Tesco and the town car park via steps, and Tesco and the Main Street via a disability friendly footpath on Thomas Street will be starting in the next few weeks alongside work on their new petrol station. This was confirmed at the County Council meeting yesterday on foot of a motion I had down.

Tonight Bailieborough Mental Health Association will host their 10th Annual East Cavan Essay Project for 5th and 6th classes in Primary Schools. The theme this year of Mental Health 400 is in honour of the 400th Anniversary of our town of Bailieborough. This important local education project helps young people tap into their expressive talent through the medium of writing. It also enhances their understanding of what it means to have a positive sense of mental health and self worth, and clarifies some of the issues around mental illness.

I am honoured on my own behalf as a local County Councillor and MHI Development Officer, and on behalf of the local voluntary Mental Health Association led by Chairman Winston Turner and Secretary Audrey Rogers, to welcome Minster John Moloney, Junior Health Minister with special responsibility for Equality, Disability and Mental Health to the event tonight in the Bailie Hotel from 7.30pm to 9pm. His presence is a fitting acknowledgement of the work of the local committee, teachers, parents and most especially young people. The Bailieborough Community School public speaking team who reached the National Semi Final of MHI’s public speaking project (i.e. the last 9 out of 250) will also be honoured. All are welcome!