Fine Gael Roscommon/South Leitrim TD, Frank Feighan, has commended the work of the local development group in Cootehall, which plans to transform the former Garda Station into a landmark community space.

Mr Feighan said: "Members of the Cootehall Community Development Group must be applauded for their great community spirit and imagination. I understand that a range of excellent ideas are currently being explored to utilise this asset for the community.

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"One of those proposals centres on the possible conversion of the former station into a landmark centre to honour the life and work of John McGahern. I certainly would be very supportive of such a wonderful idea, which I believe would be a fitting tribute to one of Ireland's greatest writers.

"It is well known that John McGahern's acclaimed first novel The Barracks, was inspired by his time in Cootehall. John's father was stationed as a sergeant at the Barracks in Cootehall and John, aged ten at the time, went to live there with his family following the premature death of their mother.

"I am delighted to be able to help the community development group in its efforts to transform Cootehall station into a community space. The Cootehall group already has a great track record in community development and the current development of a Barracks Garden Park area is another example of their great can-do attitude."

(CD/JP)