Public urged to help shape Kilrush's future as part of town revitalisation plan

Clare County Council and Kilrush Town Team are inviting the public to have their say on the future development of Kilrush town.

Drop-in consultation sessions for the Town Centre First (TCF) plan will take place in Kilrush Town Hall on Thursday, December 4 from 4pm to 5pm and 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Alternatively, citizens can also have their say via the official online portal here.

The Kilrush Town Team, which is supported by Clare County Council’s Town Centre First Department, West Clare elected members and Council staff, have prepared a Draft Town Centre First Plan.

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The plan aims to provide the town with a path to revitalisation. It sets out a shared vision for a thriving, vibrant and sustainable Kilrush, informed by the voices of residents, community groups and businesses. The plan is built around six themes: inclusion, climate and biodiversity, vibrancy, heritage, culture and wellbeing.

A draft version of the TCF plan will be available to view at the in-person sessions and on the online platform. Hard copies of the Draft Kilrush Town Centre First Plan will be available for viewing at Kilrush Library and Kilrush Town Hall until December 18.

Kilrush Town Team also plan to make copies available during the late night Kilrush Christmas Shopping evenings on December 4, 11 and 18. Submissions and observations will be accepted online here and in-person on Thursday, December 4 at the walk-in consultation sessions.

The public are encouraged to now view the draft and provide their proposals and feedback to help guide the future of the town and surrounding area. During the drop-in consultations, Kilrush Town Team will also be available to receive feedback and suggestions, with online feedback also welcome.

Chairperson of West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Bill Slattery, described the draft plan as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine and revitalise the heart of the town. He said, “Kilrush has always been a town of community spirit, heritage and opportunity. The Draft Town Centre First Plan is about building on those strengths for future generations. It is therefore important that the public take this opportunity to have their say.”

Chairperson of Kilrush Town Team, Hilary Gleeson, explained, “Kilrush Town Team has been working hard on this Draft Plan for the future of Kilrush.  The consultation process is about opening the doors, sharing what is proposed and listening to any further suggestions the community make to inform the final plan. We would love to hear feedback from the wider Kilrush community.  We are encouraging everyone including the public, businesses, community groups, visitors - to come along and make their voice heard.”

Town Regeneration Officer (Acting), Joan Tarmey, commented, “The Town Centre First policy introduces a new way of planning for our towns—placing local communities, businesses, and stakeholders at the heart of re-imagining and shaping their future. The goal is to create town centres that are vibrant, viable, and attractive places to live, work and visit.

“The Draft Kilrush Town Centre First Plan is a ten-year plan comprising a series of interconnected projects—large and small—allowing different groups and organisations to align with the plan.  This is a great opportunity for people to contribute to the Plan and suggest projects they would like to help Kilrush Town Team deliver," she added.