Roscrea Town Team welcome major funding for regeneration

The Roscrea Town Team warmly welcomes the recent announcement of funding for the regeneration of Castle Street and Main Street, Roscrea, two landmark projects that will help shape the future of the town centre.

Both projects were identified as key priorities in the Roscrea Town Centre First Plan, which was the first completed Town Centre First Plan in Ireland under the Government’s Town Centre First Strategy.

This plan represents the culmination of many months of voluntary work and community collaboration, involving residents, business owners, community organisations, and public representatives united in their ambition to see Roscrea thrive.

Over the past year, the Town Team has also been kept informed of the exciting plans for Roscrea Castle and Damer House, including the development of a new café and upgraded visitor facilities.

The Team warmly welcomes this progress, particularly at a time when growing tourism and encouraging more bus tours to stop in Roscrea are a priority. These developments will strengthen the town’s heritage offering and support local economic growth.

Chair of the Roscrea Town Team, Brian King, said the recent announcements are encouraging for the town, which needs more support and significant investment.

“These projects represent real progress for Roscrea. They reflect the dedication and cooperation of our community, local authorities, and partners in delivering the Town Centre First vision.

“The regeneration of both Castle Street and Main Street will bring new life to the town centre, improving public spaces, supporting business activity, and enhancing Roscrea’s appeal as a place to live, work, and visit. We encourage everyone in the community to have their say and get involved as plans take shape over the coming months,” Brian King said.

The Chairman and the Town Team have consistently emphasised that public engagement will remain at the heart of the Castle Street and Main Street projects as design work progresses, with opportunity for the business community and the public to engage with the designers, etc.

For Castle Street, an online community survey was open throughout November, giving local people a valuable opportunity to share their views, ideas, and priorities for the redesign of this important and historic street.

The Town Team notes that a dedicated email address, castlestroscrea@tbla.eu, remains available for anyone who still wishes to express their views or contribute further suggestions.

An in-person community event is planned for early in the new year, when the project team will present emerging design concepts for discussion and feedback.

Roscrea's Town Team encourages all residents, businesses, and community groups to take part so that the final design reflects local needs and aspirations.

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The Team also welcomed the separate funding announcement for the Main Street regeneration project, which will enhance Roscrea’s central thoroughfare by improving public spaces, upgrading pedestrian links, and strengthening connections between key areas of the town centre.

Work is progressing on the River Rooms Project, which will include a series of themed areas along the River Bunnow, each recognising an aspect of Roscrea’s heritage and identity.

The project envisions increased accessibility to Glebe Park and a linked walkway connecting focal points along the river.
Chairman Brian King added: “The River Rooms project is another example of how we are reconnecting Roscrea with its natural and historic assets. Opening up the river and creating attractive, accessible spaces will contribute significantly to the town’s quality of life and tourism appeal.”

Members of the Town Team have also recently engaged with senior engineers responsible for the Gantly Road project, ensuring that regeneration efforts from Castle Street to Main Street and beyond remain aligned within a coherent, long-term vision for Roscrea.

GRANT'S HOTEL

In relation to the former Grant’s Hotel, the Town Team, like everyone in the community, is reviewing the recently published feasibility report and will continue to engage constructively on potential future developments for this key site.
Shane Grogan, Town Regeneration Officer, also welcomed the funding and the strong community collaboration:

“The Castle Street and Main Street projects are at the heart of the Town Centre First approach, creating a more vibrant, accessible, and attractive town core. The strong community engagement that underpinned the original Town Plan will continue to guide these next stages, and I would encourage everyone to take part in the public survey.”

The Roscrea Town Team expressed its appreciation to all who have supported the Town Centre First process to date, including Tipperary County Council officials, the Department of Rural and Community Development, and the many volunteers and community members whose time and input have ensured that these projects are now beginning to take shape.

SUPERVALU FIRE
This is the Town Team’s first press release since the fire at Bernie’s SuperValu. Chairman Brian King wishes to acknowledge the enormous contribution of Brian Colclough to the Town Team and to the wider community.

He extends his best wishes to Brian and all the staff as they make important decisions in the weeks and months ahead.
The Town Team also extends a special mention to Pattersons and wishes them well during this challenging period.

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Finally, the Team is pleased to see that the management and staff of the Gantly Way Restaurant have secured new premises in the Roscrea Shopping Centre, which opened last week, and wishes them every success for the future.