Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys today (Thursday 12th December) visited Bailieborough, Cavan, to officially open new Bailieborough Courthouse Economic and Tourism Hub, which was funded through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF).

This project involved a unique partnership between Cavan County Council, Bailieborough Development Association CLG and The Ulster Scots Agency to develop a visitor centre and museum space.

Steeped with history, the visitor centre tells the story the jail and of the origins of the town as the most southerly planted town of Ulster. It brings to life stories of key historic figures that came from the town and telling the story of Bailieborough and the surrounding area in an exciting, interesting and engaging way.

A manuscript, on loan from the Ulster Scots Agency is on display in the museum, carries the Royal Seal and dates back to the very beginning of the Plantation of Ulster. It records the granting of land at Corrowdownan, Co. Cavan by King James I to one John Browne of Gorgiemill (near Edinburgh) on 23 July 1611, and signed by Queen Anne of Denmark wife of King James I.

This project received funding of €1.83 million under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF). An additional investment of over €350,000 was provided by Cavan County Council.

The investment from the RRDF in the town is consistent with the Our Rural Future and Town Centre First objectives of attracting more people to live, work, invest in and enjoy rural towns.