€7.2 million boost for Leitrim town regeneration

Carrick-on-Shannon is set to receive €13.7 million for four major regeneration projects aimed at transforming the county town’s streets, parks and public amenities. The funding forms part of a €22.6 million investment announced for projects across Leitrim and Sligo under the new Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund.

The largest Leitrim allocation is €7.2 million for the Bridge Street Public Realm Scheme and the regeneration of Carrick-on-Shannon Town Hall.

A further €6.3 million has been allocated to the Carrick-on-Shannon Parks project, which will transform urban green areas and create additional park spaces in the town.

Funding of €150,000 will support the preparation of an Urban Framework Plan for Upper Main Street, while €105,000 has been allocated to develop a Waterside Regeneration Project plan. Fianna Fáil TD Eamon Scanlon described the overall investment in Leitrim and Sligo as a potential “game changer” for the communities involved.

“I am extremely pleased to see this level of funding coming for Sligo and Leitrim,” Deputy Scanlon said. “This has the potential to be a game changer for the projects involved and for the communities they serve. “I have been delighted to work with and support these projects, and this announcement represents a major vote of confidence in their plans and in the future of our area.”

Fine Gael Minister of State Frank Feighan said the funding would transform the face of Carrick-on-Shannon and help bring vacant or underused sites back into productive use. “In particular, I’m delighted to see the Bridge Street Public Realm Scheme and Town Hall Regeneration project proceed with an allocation of €7.2 million,” Minister Feighan said.

“This allocation will see the further transformation of the streetscape of Bridge Street and will bring in the old town hall as an integral part of that part of the town.”

He said the €6.3 million allocation for Carrick-on-Shannon’s parks would create further urban park spaces and enhance the town’s amenities. “We all want to see regeneration in our own communities and to provide spaces that are safe and attractive for people from all generations to gather and enjoy,” he added.

Across the border, €8.8 million has been allocated to Cleveragh Regional Park in Sligo. Deputy Scanlon said the combined investment would unlock regeneration, support new development and benefit those who live, work and raise their families in the region. He thanked Minister James Browne for delivering the funding and recognising the wider potential of the projects.

Minister Feighan also paid tribute to Leitrim County Council for its submissions and acknowledged the community groups and social enterprises involved in devising projects for Carrick-on-Shannon. The new Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund replaces the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund.

More than €409 million will support 120 projects across every local authority area in the State. The programme will finance public realm improvements, community and civic infrastructure and the redevelopment of vacant and underused sites.

It will also support the Town Centre First policy, with a particular focus on regeneration in disadvantaged areas and strengthening towns and cities as places to live, work and visit. “This funding will have a significant and lasting impact on our communities, and I look forward to seeing these projects now progress,” Deputy Scanlon said.

Minister Feighan said the Carrick-on-Shannon projects would drive economic growth, increase footfall and combat dereliction. “When complete, these projects will leave a lasting difference in Leitrim’s county town,” he concluded.