Ferbane next in line for Town Centre First plan

The first ever Town Centre First plans for 26 towns across every country have been published, including Clara in Offaly, and nearby Moate in Westmeath.

The plans which were developed in consultation with local communities represent the vision of local people for their area and contain proposals for a diverse range of projects such as redeveloping derelict sites, creating community parks and walkways, boosting SME and tourism potential, and protecting historical landmarks.

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys , and Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning, Kieran O’Donnell launched the plans this week in Adare in Limerick.

Minister Humphreys also announced the next 26 towns who have been approved to develop Town Centre First Plans, which includes Ferbane in Offaly.

The Ministers were joined at the launch yesterday (Wednesday) by the new Town Regeneration Officers who have been appointed in every Local Authority to drive implementation of the new plans with the support of Government funding through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Town Centre First Heritage Revival (THRIVE) Scheme and the Historic Towns Initiative.

Speaking at the launch, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, said:

"Communities are at the heart of rural Ireland. Town Centre First is all about empowering people to develop a vision for their town that can make it a better place to live, work, invest in and enjoy.

"These plans and the new Town Regeneration Officers are about ensuring there is a strategic and coherent approach at local level to tackling vacancy and dereliction in our towns and villages.

"Government is firmly committed to strategic projects that will transform rural Ireland such as under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, and we are already seeing the hugely positive impacts of investment right across the country such as the fantastic new Community Centre we are opening here in Patrickswell this morning.

Minister Humphreys also announced the next 26 Towns who have been approved to develop Town Centre First Plans, which includes Ferbane in Offaly.

“I am delighted to publish the first ever Town Centre First Plans today and I want to commend the local Communities and Town Teams for their work in developing these comprehensive locally-led plans.

“I am pleased to also announce the next 26 successful towns across the country who we will support with funding of €30,000 each to complete a comprehensive town plan to help develop their town centres.”

Town Centre First supports the objectives of the national rural development policy, Our Rural Future, in revitalising rural towns and engages communities through “Town Teams”. Every town is different, and so local visions take account of these unique challenges, needs and opportunities.

Local Minister Pippa Hackett extended her congratulations to the Town Team and wider community of Clara following the official launch of the Clara Town Plan.

"We are already seeing the fruits of your labour and I expect that all aspects of the plan will be fully supported in due course.

"I am also delighted to see that Ferbane has been chosen for inclusion in the next phase of funding for Town Centre First Planning. Ferbane will receive €30,000 to complete a comprehensive town plan to help develop the town centre and tackle vacancy.

"This will be done with the community and through a “Town Team” with support from the Town Regeneration Officer of Offaly County Council. Every town is different, and while Clara has blazed a trail with a Plan which reflects that town wonderfully, I look forward to seeing how the Ferbane community plan to develop the opportunities afforded by its unique heritage and characteristics," Minister Hackett said.

Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, Kieran O'Donnell, added that Government has committed to a multi-billion euro investment in regenerating and revitalising towns and urban centres across Ireland.

“The Town Centre First approach empowers local communities and businesses, supported by local Authorities, to guide and direct investment to maximise the particular strengths and assets of their town.”

“In a joint initiative, my Department along with DRCD has established a National Town Centre First Office, within the LGMA, to support delivery of the policy.

“I also wish to congratulate and commend all the local communities and Town Teams for their dedicated work in designing these exciting Town Centre First plans – I look forward to seeing them fully implemented in the time ahead."

The Town Centre First policy also supports the objectives of the National Planning Framework and Housing for All by unlocking the potential of vacant and underused buildings to increase housing supply and attract more people to live and work in our town centres.

TCF National co-ordinator, Mairéad Hunt, noted that towns now have a unique opportunity to participate in Town Centre First and create more vibrant and attractive town centres.

She continued: "Our Town Teams are doing fantastic work around the country creating and driving forward ambitious plans. We want to see many more Town Teams, so it is very welcome that the Department of Rural and Community Development is giving local authorities funding of up to €10,000 to establish new Town Teams or build up existing teams."

A new Town Centre First website has been launched where people can find out how to get involved.

Launched in 2022, Town Centre First is driving one of the biggest ever programme of investments in rural Ireland and has a core aim of confronting dereliction and the general decline in the health of Ireland’s town centres.

To find out more about the initiative and how communities can become involved, visit https://towncentrefirst.ie/