Conservation masterplan for famous Offaly courthouse launched as funding secured for town hall

OFFALY County Council in partnership with Daingean Town Hall and Daingean Town Hall Restoration committees has officially launched the Daingean Court House Conservation Masterplan.

Following the successful launch on Thursday, it was announced today by The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Darragh Calleary TD, grant funding of €425,334 to regenerate Daingean Town Hall. This grant, awarded under Category 2 of the Rural Regeneration Development Fund, proposes to hire a conservation architect led design team to develop initial designs taken from the recently launched Daingean Court House Conservation Master Plan to a more detailed design stage and apply for planning permission.

This grant requires match funding of 20% from Offaly County Council’s Local Property Tax of €106,334 which Offaly County Council members have committed to. The total project grant is €531,668.

Speaking at the official launch, Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr John Leahy highlighted “The importance of preserving our heritage and protecting buildings of historic and architectural importance cannot be underestimated and the future regeneration of this Town Hall will have an extremely positive impact on the area from both an economic and social perspective”. After hearing the announcement, he said, “I welcome the news that the community of Daingean have received a much-deserved grant to move on the regeneration of Daingean Town Hall. This grant is a steppingstone for a bright future for Daingean Town, and I wish them the best of luck in progressing this project.”

The Chief Executive Officer, Offaly Couty Council, Anna Marie Delaney noted that “The Conservation Masterplan we have today is the culmination of comprehensive consultation between Daingean Town Hall Committee, the Town Hall Restoration Committee, Offaly County Council’s Regeneration Section and the conservation architect consultants, Howley Hayes Cooney.” After the announcement by Minister Calleary, she said “I welcome the positive news of this RRDF funding for Daingean, an important step in securing the future of the Town Hall which, when refurbished, will contribute greatly to the social and economic life of the town, and will serve the community of Daingean and beyond for many years to come. It also signifies the commitment from members for match funding though the Local Property Tax without which these projects could not progress.”

READ NEXT: Tullamore College celebrates a fantastic German Week 2025

Cllr Liam Quinn, Cathaoirleach of Edenderry Municipal District said, “I am delighted with the announcement of such significant investment for the town of Daingean and thank the Minister, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Offaly County Council staff, and both Daingean Town Hall Committee and the Town Hall Restoration Committee for their co-operation and dedication which has led to the success of this application”.

Brendan Darcy, chair of the Daingean Town Hall committee recognised “the remarkable work done by the last committee with core members, Johnnie Dunne, Jannette McCormack and Mag Gallagher and the financially sound footing of the Hall that they passed on.” He continued to thank “Dev Scally, Collette Fleming, Carmel Smyth and Colm O’Grady the present committee for their contribution.” On hearing the announcement, Brendan Darcy said “We as a community are delighted to have been successful in this round of RRDF funding and are looking forward to working with the Regeneration Team of Offaly County Council to move to the next detail design stage of regenerating Daingean Town Hall. I would like to thank all Offaly County Council staff and the consultants Howley Hayes Cooney for the work completed to date.”

READ NEXT:Massive financial boost for major community development in Offaly

The Conservation Masterplan, launched on Thursday evening, was delivered through Town and Village Renewal Scheme funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. Howley Hayes Cooney Architects were appointed by Offaly County Council to complete the Conservation Masterplan which includes areas of conservation importance, defining spaces, costings for future development and future proofing the protected structure and making the building fully accessible. Continuous consultation with the community took place as part of this process.

Offaly County Council will continue to work in partnership with the community of Daingean and the various committees involved to progress to the next stage of detail design and planning. Daingean Court House (Town Hall) has the potential to be a transformational community hub for Daingean and the surrounding hinterland.

The Daingean Court House Conservation Masterplan is available to view on the Offaly County Council website, via the link below:

Daingean Town Hall - Offaly County CouncilOffaly County Council