Councillors rally to secure future of North Leitrim village
Sinn Féin councillor Pádraig Fallon proposed a motion calling for support to advocate for Kiltyclogher's inclusion in the Empowering Communities Programme for 2025.
Kiltyclogher, a small village in North Leitrim with significant historical importance, has been described as left behind in recent times. Nestled on the border with County Fermanagh, the village is home to a small yet vibrant population.
Nationally, Kiltyclogher is notably the birthplace of Seán MacDiarmada, one of the seven signatories of the Proclamation of Irish Independence.
At a recent meeting of Manorhamilton Municipal District, calls were made for full Council support for the Kiltyclogher community by Cllr Pádraig Fallon.
He also requested that the village be included in the 2025 Empowering Communities Programme to help its development and recognition.
“All of us, particularly in this municipal, have great regard for the community and the historic importance in Kiltyclogher - not just to this municipal but the whole county and country,” Cllr Fallon said.
“Kiltyclogher faces challenges like many rural communities but theirs are compounded by how close they are to the border. It’s a community that’s suffered for decades, there’s no doubt about that,” he added.
Cllr Fallon’s motion was supported by all members of Manorhamilton MD.
Cllr Justin Warnock remarked that while no expense has been spared north of the border, villages situated along the border in the Republic have been neglected.
“Every one of our villages along the border have suffered and have been forgotten about. There needs to be some plan put in to keep these villages going, but Kiltyclogher stands out as a special case,” Cllr Warnock said.
“The community in Kiltyclogher have done so much work and the Council have always been supportive where they can be,” Cllr Mary Bohan commented.
Leitrim County Council have supported a number of initiatives in Kiltyclogher, including the highly regarded annual Sean MacDiarmada Summer School, which celebrated its 16th year in 2024.
Following Cllr Fallon’s motion, representations will be made to the incoming Minister for Rural and Community Development, requesting that the village be considered for inclusion in the Empowering Communities Programme.
This programme is a Government initiative that specifically targets area-based deprivation through a community development approach.
The programme seeks to empower communities to develop their own solutions to challenges such as area-based poverty and social exclusion.