SCARIFF is “destined for growth” following confirmation of €524,000 for regeneration works, elected representatives have predicted.
Under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF), the Department of Rural and Community Development have allocated €524,000 for the design and planning stages of a regeneration of the East Clare town centre.
Plans include the provision of a multi-service innovation and engagement digital hub, improvements to the public realm in market square and the town centre, efforts to tackle dereliction and the delivery of enhanced parking and ancillary facilities. Funds allocated will assist in bringing these works estimated to cost €655,000 to the planning stage.
A member of the Scariff Town Team, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) predicted the funding would “change the whole fabric of the town”. He stated, “It is a number of years since the development of the town square, at the time it was a new beginning for the town, now we will have a change of lifestyle and it will bring in a more modern approach and more pedestrian and safety measures for public realm”.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr Hayes affirmed that the support for businesses and the community will arise from the digital hub. Attempts to tackle dereliction and the addition of a new car park were also welcomed. “It will set Scariff on the right track going forward particularly with work ongoing for the Killaloe Bypass and Inis Cealtra, Scariff is destined for growth”. He acknowledged the efforts of those involved in the Killaloe Municipal District and Clare County Council in submitting the application.
Clare TD, Joe Carey (FG) labelled the project as “a game changer for the town of Scariff and its large hinterland”. He said the funding “will pave the way for further significant streetscape improvement throughout the centre of Scariff town including the square area thereby improving accessibility whilst also catering for additional parking capacity including for coaches which will attract new tourism business.”
Funding allocated “will be transformational for Scariff town,” Deputy Cathal Crowe (FF) believed. “Scariff is known for being vibrant and picturesque but now, with major works planned for the nearby island of Inis Cealtra it’ll become a tourism gateway of even greater importance in the Lough Derg region. This funding will help to revamp the town centre and address dereliction first and foremost”.
Upgrade works represented “a landmark regeneration project” for Scariff, Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) commented.
