Painting Scheme which improved visual appearance of Offaly town now complete

OFFALY County Council in conjunction with residential and commercial property owners in Banagher have now completed Banagher Painting Scheme.

The Scheme was funded under a Department of Rural and Community Development initiative, the Pilot Residential Occupancy Scheme. The aim of the scheme was to improve the visual appearance of the town on the approach from the Marina, making Banagher a more attractive place to live in and to visit.

Applications were received from eligible property owners in Banagher to avail of a grant to paint the façades of buildings where needed, in order to improve and enhance their appearance, thereby contributing to an overall improvement of the streetscape. The success of the scheme was down to the partnership approach of local businesses, residents and communities coming together to rejuvenate their town increasing pride and confidence.

The accompanying pictures give an indication of the positive and restorative effect painting a building façade can have. To date vacant properties that were painted under the scheme have engaged with County Council staff to avail of other refurbishment grants to bring their propeties back into use.

The Regeneration Team in Offaly County Council are continuing to progress the Acrhitectural and Tourism Master Plan for Banagher Marina and Environs funded under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund. The 2nd phase of public consultation is now complete. Offaly County Council have also acquired the Old Royal Shannon Hotel with its plan to redevelop to complement the marina Master Plan. It is planned to tender for a design team for the redevelopment of the hotel site in early 2023.