A NEW vision for the future of Kilrush was unveiled on Friday with the launch of the Kilrush Town Centre First Plan.
The community-led roadmap was announced in glorious sunshine in the West Clare capital, setting out an ambitious programme of regeneration, placemaking and sustainable growth for the town over the coming years.
The plan, developed by Clare County Council’s Town Centre First team and Kilrush Town Team, local cllrs and a number of community groups and businesses, outlines a shared vision to create a thriving, inclusive and sustainable town centre that celebrates Kilrush’s unique character while enhancing opportunities for people to live, work, visit and do business in the town.
The plan is supported under the National Town Centre First programme, a government initiative that aims to “create town centres that function as viable, vibrant and attractive locations for people to live, work and visit, while also functioning as the service, social, cultural and recreational hub for the local community”. The programme has seen particular success in Co. Donegal where towns such as Dungloe, Ramelton, Ballyshannon and Cresslough have benefited from the scheme.
For Kilrush, the project is aimed at strengthening the town’s role as the service, social, cultural and economic hub of West Clare. The projects focus on key themes including inclusion, biodiversity and climate action, vibrancy, heritage, culture and wellbeing. Key priorities of the plan include greater enhancement of the town centre as well as improved walking and cycling connections into the town.
The development of the Harbour Quarter and Wood River Walk, the reuse of vacant and underused buildings, the future potential of the former Mars Cinema building, support for employment and training opportunities, and measures to build on Kilrush’s rich heritage, maritime identity and unique townscape have also all been highlighted.
Speaking at the unveiling, newly elected Cathaoirleach of West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Michael Shannon, stated that “This plan is the result of extensive collaboration between the Kilrush Town Team, Clare County Council, elected members and the wider community. It captures both the challenges and opportunities facing Kilrush and provides a clear framework for future investment and regeneration. Importantly, it places local people at the heart of shaping the future of their town and builds on Kilrush’s many strengths, from its heritage and maritime location to its strong sense of community and exceptional natural assets”, the Quilty man added.
“The Town Centre First approach recognises that successful regeneration happens through a series of connected actions rather than any single project. The Kilrush Town Centre First Plan sets out a vision comprised of many interlinked initiatives which will help create a more attractive, vibrant and inclusive town centre. It provides a strong foundation for future funding opportunities and investment while supporting the development of Kilrush as a key service centre and destination for West Clare”, explained Senior Executive Planner and Urban Designer with Clare County Council, Aisling Leahy.
In a post on their official website, Clare County Council noted that “The plan was informed by an extensive consultation process involving local residents, businesses, community groups, schools, elected representatives and other stakeholders. Feedback highlighted strong pride in Kilrush’s historic streetscape, harbour, marina, cultural heritage and natural environment, while also identifying opportunities to address vacancy, increase activity in the town centre and further enhance local amenities”.
