Cathaoirleach says Tullamore can be clever in using Government's new 'Towns First Policy'
"I want to see Tullamore back as the capital of the Midlands, it's not that long ago, we were. We can be clever and use the "Towns First Policy" to get us some of the way,’’ said the Cathaoirleach of Tullamore Municipal District Councillor Tony McCormack.
Councillor McCormack was speaking following the publication of the Government’s 'Towns First Policy.’
The aim of the Policy is to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into town centres.
'Town Centre First' contains 33 unique actions which the Government says, "will give towns like Tullamore the tools and resources they need to become more viable and attractive places in which to live, work, visit and run a business."
The policy is underpinned by a multi-billion euro investment spread across major Government schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
For the first time, designated towns will gain their own dedicated Town Regeneration Officers, who will be crucial to driving future development.
Cllr Tony McCormack said: "When I was growing up in Tullamore, many of the family business had living quarters above their premises and this created its own vibrancy in the centre of Tullamore. Government has realised that town centres around the country are dying and need help to become the hubs that they once were.
"It would be foolish of me to think that they will ever be like they were, business has changed and people's habits have changed but we can change our towns to make them more accessible and more attractive for people to live in, shop in and visit and I think that the "Towns First Policy" will help in this. We have done huge work with our street enhancement projects in Tullamore, Clara, Birr and Edenderry. There are more projects planned. I love my town and will always do whatever I can to make it thrive and not just survive," said Councillor McCormack.
The policy also contains a range of actions designed to achieve key objectives such as social and economic revival in towns, the provision of housing, as well as addressing challenges like vacancy and derelict buildings. The actions also support the protection of the environment, as well as the heritage and culture of our towns.
Town Centre First was launched in Moate today by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, the Minister for Planning and Local Government, Peter Burke TD, and the Minister for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD.
The event took place in Moate library, a former Courthouse building. The formerly derelict building, dating back to 1828, was converted by Westmeath County Council.
Announcing Town Centre First, the Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys TD said:
"Town Centre First represents a new approach to revitalising communities the length and breadth of this country. This is about bringing together our businesses, our local authorities and our town teams - so that they are at the fore when it comes to planning for the future development of their communities.
"It’s about ensuring our towns have the tools, resources and investment they need to tackle major issues such as dereliction and vacant properties. We know that so many of our towns, particularly in rural Ireland, face considerable challenges. But they also have extraordinary potential. With investment under the likes of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, we will ensure our towns become even better places to live, work and raise a family. 'Town Centre First’ will arm our towns with the ability to map out and deliver on their own unique vision, helping to revitalise Rural Ireland and deliver on the objectives of ‘Our Rural Future’."