€1,200,000 awarded to five towns and villages in Offaly

FIVE towns and villages across Offaly have secured a total of €1,200,000 in funding following an announcement by the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD last week of projects approved for funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2025.

The biggest allocation, €500,000, goes to Shinrone for “The redevelopment of the vacant, old Shinrone Library building and site into a modern multi-purpose community space, serving Shinrone village and its’ hinterland.”

Two centres, Mucklagh and Kilcormac, both receive €300,000. The Mucklagh project will see “the development of a recreational amenity and village centre plaza with market infrastructure at Mucklagh Community Centre including public realm and parking provision.”

In Kilcormac the funding will go towards the “Kilcormac Community Plaza Project which will deliver a town centre plaza, new market space with required infrastructure, nature-based drainage, biodiversity landscaping and improved parking.”

The Clara Project Development Measure has been allocated €50,000 to allow them “engage professional services required to assist developing the design of a town centre back land site in Clara up to planning stage as a priority project under the TCF Plan.”

A further €50,000 has been allocated to the Pullough Project Development Measure to “engage professional services required to assist developing the design of a vacant village site in Pullough into a recreational amenity, up to planning stage as a key project for Pullough Residents Development Association.”

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Speaking after the announcement, Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr John Leahy said “I welcome the announcement of funding under the TVR Scheme for Offaly. This funding is about helping communities to adapt to ongoing challenges, and it will help make our towns and villages more attractive as places in which to live, work and do business. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the communities who engaged with Offaly County Council to prepare these projects, and it is evident the partnership approach between the Local Authority and community groups is working well”.

On hearing the announcement, Chief Executive of Offaly County Council, Anna-Marie Delaney, said “Offaly’s towns and villages are set to benefit from a substantial investment of €1,200,000 which will deliver important infrastructure that will bring life and vibrancy to these town and village centres. I would like to congratulate the community groups involved and wish them well on delivering these projects.”

The 2025 scheme had a renewed focus on town centre economic and social recovery and regeneration, through projects focusing on town centre regeneration, enhancing streetscapes and bringing vacant and derelict buildings back into use as community multi-purpose spaces through refurbishment and renovation.

This year the scheme also included a focus on Town or Village Centre Markets (e.g. Farmers Markets, Open-Air Markets, Local Trader Markets, Artisan Markets or similar) in alignment with the Programme for Government.

It is very important for communities to engage with Offaly County Council to prepare future projects. Further calls for expression of interest from communities will be advertised in 2026, and Offaly County Council would welcome applications particularly from towns and villages that have created a town/village plan with projects that can be supported under the Town and Village Scheme.

Announcing the funding for 116 projects nationwide , Minister Calleary said: “I am delighted to announce the successful projects selected from applications to the 2025 Town and Village Renewal Scheme. The scheme continues to have a hugely positive impact in Ireland’s rural towns and villages and this investment will further strengthen this work.

“We will continue to roll-out significant levels of investment in rural Ireland – making our towns and villages better places to live, work, raise a family and run a business. Today’s announcement confirms our strong commitment to supporting our rural communities both economically and socially.”

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The Minister continued: “There is a high level of interest in the Town and Village Renewal scheme and the applications brought forward by our local authorities following their engagement with communities are of a consistently high standard. It is positive to note the increasing number of projects coming forward from towns that have been active in the Town Centre First process. These towns are working with their Town Regeneration Officers to develop and improve their communities. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all those who were successful.”

Offaly TD John Clendennen has warmly welcomed the announcement.

The funding allocations will support projects in Clara, Pullough, Kilcormac, Mucklagh and Shinrone, helping to advance both design-stage projects and shovel-ready developments that will transform public spaces and facilities, strengthen village cores and support long-term sustainable growth.

Speaking following the announcement, Deputy Clendennen said “This is very welcome and important funding for Offaly, and it will make a real, visible difference in five towns and villages that have worked tirelessly over many years to strengthen their communities and town centres.

Since the Town and Village Renewal Scheme was first introduced, the Fine Gael team in Offaly has consistently championed the initiative, working closely with Offaly County Council and local community groups to turn strong ideas into deliverable plans. Today’s announcement is the result of that sustained effort and collaboration.”

Deputy Clendennen also paid tribute to the commitment shown locally “These projects do not happen overnight. They reflect years of work by local residents, development groups and council officials working in the best interest of the future of their towns and villages.”

He added that the funding aligns with Fine Gael’s broader commitment to balanced regional development “Strong towns and villages are essential to the social and economic fabric of Offaly. This investment will improve public spaces and facilities, support local enterprise, enhance quality of life and help ensure our communities remain vibrant places to live, work and visit.”

Deputy Clendennen concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the scheme “I will continue to work closely with Fine Gael councillors, Offaly County Council and local communities to ensure these projects are delivered successfully and that the Town and Village Renewal Scheme continues to support communities right across Offaly into the future whilst maximising funding for the county.”

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