FOUR CLARE projects have been allocated a combined €1.1m in funding under the 2023 Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
Ennistymon (€495,000), Killaloe (€225,000), Querrin (€221,400) and Labasheeda (€193,881) will share in the total funding of €1,135,281 announced by the Department of Rural and Community Development.
In what is a continuation of the works along the Main Street in Ennistymon, the funding will allow for the creation of an outdoor public square which will be “inclusive, attractive and vibrant”.
Enhancement works to Tobermurragh Park will provide Killaloe with a central public green space which is “steeped in history and rich in biodiversity”.
A permanent venue for the Cottage Market will be established in Querrin plus the historic Farnham Street railings will also be repaired and restored.
What was a former church in Labasheeda will serve as a multi-functional community space with essential works to conserve the character of the building to enable this.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, Senator Martin Conway (FG) was confident his native Ennistymon would be strengthened as a tourism destination as a result of the allocation. “The square in Ennistymon which is a traditional market town is going to get a complete revamp with a €495,000 injection, this will compliment a lot of positive work done in recent years in Ennistymon town and environs, it will help to enhance it to a top quality tourism destination which it has the potential to be”.
Senator Conway said essential maintenance work will now allow for the old church in Labasheeda to remain as a community facility. “The community of Labasheeda have put enormous work into developing their community and this church is the centre point of the village, it will be a major benefit to the community and surrounding areas”.
Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) welcomed the confirmation that both Querrin and Labasheeda got over the line with their funding applications. “Both of these communities have been an absolute pleasure to work with, forward thinking, proactive and focussed. They have done all the work themselves, and while some communities need a big push, these two only needed a small directional nudge every now and again. It is a testament to what small communities can achieve”.
According to Cllr Shane Talty (FF) the €495,000 for Ennistymon is the “latest piece in the jigsaw to revamp the town and enhance the experience of visitors and locals coming into town. It follows on from the Main Street Enhancement works, works due later this year along Parliament Street and the off street carpark to be delivered along Monastery Lane. I thank the forward planning team in Clare County Council for their co-operation in putting this scheme forward funding as well as the Ennistymon Town Team for their efforts in supporting these projects, delivering on the Ennistymon Enhancement Strategy publish last year”.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD (FG) announced funding of over €20 million to 82 projects across the country. The successful projects include the regeneration of derelict buildings, the provision of public plazas and farmers’ markets in town centres and the development of Town Parks. The investment is being provided under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme with a particular emphasis on the revitalisation of rural town centres, which is a key objective of the Our Rural Future and Town Centre First Policies.
