Speculation mounts on Convent’s future
There has been much speculation since the closure of the Convent in Boyle as to what the future holds for the building. While the final decision on it’s future rests with the governing body of the Sister of Mercy, no one locally knows as yet if the complex will even come on to the market or not. Should it go for sale, a hotel has been speculated which would be something the town has been crying out for for many years. The area where the convent and associated buildings are located are currently zoned “commercial and educational purposes” which should be favourable from a planning point of view if a hotel were an option. Speculators will also be closely watching the sale in Ballaghaderreen of their Convent which has gone on the market this week. That 6,920 sq ft building, which stands on 1.29 acres and is in need of major repair, is quoting €50,000.
Centre Parcs opportunity for Boyle businesses
An interesting event is taking place in Longford in the coming weeks that may be of interest to certain businesses in Boyle. Center Parcs, who are building a 395 acre forest village destination in Ballymahon, are holding a “Meet the Buyers Event” in the Longford Arms Hotel on Thursday June 1st from 10am to 5pm. Companies interested in being involved with the construction of the development are invited to attend and find out what opportunities there are to become a supplier to Center Parcs Longford. This major development is “only up the road” and will provide employment and spin off for many companies who are interested in getting involved.
Changes proposed to Boyle Area Plan
Variations are in the pipeline for the Boyle Local Area Plan 2015 – 2021. The local authority has signalled their intention to make variations to the plan to give expression to changes required as part of the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015. The Local Area Plan (LAP) is an important document and one the public should be aware of and have an input into as it sets out the strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. Copies of the proposed variations are currently on display at the Municipal District office in Boyle. Observations can be made until June 14th.
The benefits or otherwise of Task Forces
The closure in Ballaghaderreen recently of the ECMI cigar factory and the formation of a Task Force has resulted in the eruption of a political war of words in the town. Here in Boyle we could offer some advice to our neighbours in Ballaghaderreen on the benefits or otherwise of these Task Forces. Following the closure of the Green Isle factory in Boyle many years ago, there was calls for a Task Force to be established and one was quickly set up, but where did it get us? Are we any better off as a result of the Task Force? No we are not. We are still seeking a replacement industry for Green Isle many years later. Granted, we now have a high quality large scale employer in Vention Medical but that did not come about as a result of the Task Force. The best chance Ballaghaderreen and Boyle have in attracting jobs is through personal contact with entrepreneurs or someone with a connection to the area. We could be a long time waiting for the IDA or Enterprise Ireland or indeed a Task Force to bring a job announcement to this area.
One hour parking getting closer
A recent poll here on Boyletoday.com showed the strong opposition that exists locally to the introduction of one hour parking in the town, but be prepared – one hour parking may happen sooner rather than later if recent events in Roscommon town are anything to go by. Three one hour free spaces are to be “trialled” in the county town following the “success” of the project in Castlerea. Supporters of one hour parking have said it is needed in Roscommon as a result of people parking for free in the town for “hours on end”. If Boyle is to avoid a similar “trial”, staff and owners of businesses need to stop parking in the centre of the town during opening hours. They (business owners) are the ones who will suffer most if one hour or paid parking is introduced.
And finally…!
An elderly man in Cavan calls his son in Sydney and says, “I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; “forty-five years of misery is enough.”
“Dad, what are you talking about?” the son screams.
“We can’t stand the sight of each other any longer,” the old man says.
“We’re sick of each other, and I’m sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Brisbane and tell her,” and he hangs up.
Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone. “No way are they’re getting divorced,” she shouts, “I’ll take care of this.”
She calls her dad immediately, and screams at her father, “You are NOT getting divorced! Don’t do a single thing until I get there. I’m calling my brother back, and we’ll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don’t do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?” and hangs up.
The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife.
“Don’t worry,”he says, “it’s sorted”. “They’re coming for Christmas and paying their own airfares.”
