THREE CLARE projects have been awarded a total of €824,480 to revitalise town and village centres by repurposing vacant or derelict buildings for community use.
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary (FF) has confirmed that three projects in Clare have been approved for funding under the 2025 Town and Village Renewal Scheme. More than 100 community projects are sharing for a combined pot of funding to the tune of €26m.
Securing the biggest allocation in Clare is Mountshannon where €500,000 has been granted. This will support the refurbishment and extension of a 1940s community hall into a modern, accessible theatre, arts venue and market space, including a new stage, dressing rooms and upgraded facilities.
Nearby Scariff has secured €274,480 to redevelop the prominent derelict building formerly used as the co-op shop into a permanent, inclusive youth centre serving East Clare, providing creative, social and skills-based spaces for young people. It will become the permanent home of Fishbowl Youth.
In Miltown Malbay, €50,000 has been set aside to progress detailed design works to expand creative space in the town, including the reuse of the former Bank of Ireland building. This will expand the Design Bank Centre.
Administered through local authorities, the town and village renewal scheme supports projects that revitalise town and village centres, increase footfall, and repurpose vacant or derelict buildings for community use. The local community groups will now progress the approved projects, in partnership with Clare County Council.
In Clare, the investment will support the regeneration and vitality of town and village centres, help tackle vacancy and dereliction and strengthen social and economic activity at community level.
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG), said, “The Mountshannon project will deliver a high‑quality cultural and community venue in the heart of the village, the design funding for the Design Bank Centre in Milltown Malbay will help a successful community enterprise take its next step, and the Scarriff youth centre will provide a permanent hub for Fishbowl Youth and for young people in east Clare. Working with Clare County Council, the community groups are committed to delivering these projects to add to the quality of life in our communities”.
Minister Calleary stated,“The scheme continues to have a hugely positive impact in Ireland’s rural towns and villages and this investment will further strengthen this work. We will continue to roll-out significant levels of investment in rural Ireland, making our towns and villages better places to live, work, raise a family and run a business”.
Junior Minister, Timmy Dooley (FF) commented, “This is a very positive investment in our communities. These projects will strengthen town centres, provide modern and inclusive community facilities, and ensure that vacant and underused buildings are brought back into meaningful use. The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is one of the most effective supports for rural Ireland. It allows towns and villages to plan properly for the future while delivering real, visible improvements on the ground.
“Early-stage funding like this is vital. Clare County Council and local community groups will now have the capacity to develop strong, well-planned proposals that will deliver long-term benefits and attract further investment down the line,” the Minister of State added.
Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) felt the scheme was hugely beneficial for rural towns and villages by supporting the development of community spaces and amenities. “As our lives become ever busier, it is important that we have accessible public recreational spaces within our communities and this project delivers exactly that. We need areas where parents can take children for a walk and spend quality time together as well as places where people can meet friends and enjoy the outdoors”.
Deputy Crowe continued, “What has become clear in recent years is how much people value spending time together outdoors with friends and loved ones. We must ensure we have spaces like this, which is why today’s funding is so important for the community. This is just the beginning. There are many potential areas that could be transformed into vibrant community spaces if funding continues to be allocated”.
