Madam, - As mayor and cathaoirleach of Clones Town Council I feel the need to reply to the letter from Anthony Boyle published in your paper last week.
I respect Mr Boyle's point of view but I am extremely disappointed with the negative publicity it has created for the town. I understand how a person who had left the area 45 years ago would see a very different Clones from the thriving Border town that existed before the Troubles but 30 years of violence and the consequent loss of most of the town's natural economic hinterland, coupled with a significant decline in population, has taken its toll over the years.
While we welcome his return as a tourist, had Mr Boyle taken the time to inquire he would have learned that Clones is a town which is very much striving to recover.
A great deal of public money has been and is being invested in the town. Clones has superb educational facilities. We have a new library and fire station on the way, a fabulous new technology park opened only last month, €400,000 has been granted for the refurbishment of the old courthouse as a multi-purpose arts facility.
The town council has also invested in improving the streetscape and the central "diamond" of the town.
Only recently an investor paid €2.9 million for a site on the edge of the town, a real demonstration of confidence. Clones has a regeneration strategy to encourage entrepreneurs and business people to come and invest in the town.
Finally I would like to invite Mr Boyle to revisit the town where I would be happy to meet him and enlighten him on the progress we are making. - Yours, etc,
Cllr EUGENE McCAUGHEY, Fianna Fáil, Cathaoirleach, Clones Town Council, Clones.