Council welcomes RRDF funding for Scarriff Regeneration Project

The Scarriff Regeneration Project will develop plans for key interventions in the centre of Scarriff that will improve the public realm and provide community, tourism and enterprise facilities in the town centre. It includes the development of a Multi Service Innovation and Engagement Hub and improved public realm for the Market Square in the the town centre, as well as the development of a Town Car Park.

In preparing its submission Clare County Council recognised the strategic importance of the town of Scarriff to East Clare and the town’s role in supporting the objectives of both national and local rural development strategies. Clare County Council welcomes the consultation and collaboration with Scarriff Community Council and Scarriff Town Team and the support of our elected representatives.

The development of this proposal will now be managed by the Killaloe Municipal District (MD) office in partnership with the Rural Development Directorate of Clare County Council.

Minister Humphreys announced funding of €21.5 million for 27 landmark regeneration projects in rural communities across the country.

The funding, under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF), is being invested in projects that will rejuvenate town centres, drive economic growth and footfall, combat dereliction, develop pedestrian zones and outdoor spaces and boost tourism in rural Ireland.

A number of the projects approved for funding involve the re-purposing of old, derelict and historical buildings into modern-day remote working hubs, as well as enterprise, cultural and community facilities. The funding announced will bring these projects through the development stage and to the point where they are ready to commence works.

It is Clare County Council’s intention to progress the Scarriff Regeneration Project immediately to shovel-ready status and enable the Council to be in a position to apply for future Category 1 funding through the RRDF process.

Announcing the funding for the 27 projects, Minister Humphreys said: “In 2022, we will continue to roll-out unprecedented levels of investment in rural Ireland – making our towns and villages even better places to live, work, raise a family and run a business.

“Today’s announcement is proof of our strong commitment to supporting our rural communities both economically and socially.

“The projects being invested in represent the huge ambition that underpins ‘Our Rural Future’ and will have a truly transformational impact right across the country.

“When complete, these projects will leave a lasting difference on these locations for generations to come, benefitting tens of thousands of families in rural Ireland.”

Minister Humphreys added that she was particularly pleased to see that so many projects being supported will provide remote working opportunities for tens of thousands of people.

Cllr Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleach of Killaloe Municipal District, said: “I welcome the provision of Category 2 funding for Scarriff Town. This project will address many of the challenges faced by Clare’s rural towns and will enable the building of a sustainable and vibrant town into the future.”

Anne Haugh, Director of Social Development and Killaloe Municipal District Co-ordinator, said: “Clare County Council recognises the strategic importance of Scarriff and this project will enable the Council to position the town as a key location in East Clare. The project provides an opportunity to develop and enhance the town which in turn should yield a benefit to the overall social and economic development of the area into the future.

Leonard Cleary, Director of Rural Development, Clare County Council, said: “I am delighted that the project has been selected for funding. The project aligns with the objectives of Clare County Council’s Rural Development Strategy and will further complement Clare County Council in the provision of community and enterprise services and the development of remote working facilities under the DigiClare.ie initiative.”

The applications for funding were subjected to a comprehensive assessment process by the Department, with oversight provided by an independent Project Advisory Board, made up of representatives drawn from key Government Departments along with external independent experts.

 

Photo: Eoin O'Hagan and Cealtra Communications Ltd.

Page last reviewed: 12/01/22

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