Council welcomes €9.79 million announcement under the Urban Regeneration & Development Fund for Project Carlow 2040
Carlow County Council welcomes the announcement by Minister Darragh O’Brien that €9.79 million has been awarded under the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF) for key projects identified in Project Carlow 2040. When combined with Carlow County Council’s match funding this will see an overall regeneration investment of €13 million into Carlow Town over the coming years.
Welcoming the funding Cllr. Tom O’Neill, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, stated “This is an amazing day for County Carlow. We can now look forward to a major regeneration of our County Town, including the development of attractive and accessible public spaces with new pedestrian linkages, which in turn will support an improved quality of life for all who work, live and visit. I am confident that this significant investment into our public realm will act as a catalyst for further private and public sector investment.”
The Cathaoirleach concluded by saying “I want to pay tribute to the my fellow elected members, the Mayor and members of Carlow Municipal District, Council officials, community and business representatives who supported the development of Project Carlow 2040, and to thank Minister O’Brien, on behalf of the Council and community, for the URDF funding which will help to start to realise this vision for Carlow Town”.
Speaking about the investment, Chief Executive of Carlow County Council, Kathleen Holohan said “We are delighted that our application for funding under the Urban Regeneration Development Fund has been successful and it will assist the Council in delivering a transformed town centre.”
The chief executive continued to say “The allocation of €9.79 million to Carlow Town represents a real vote of confidence by Government in the future of Carlow Town and recognises the value of local collaboration and consultation when putting resources into rebuilding, recovering and renewing town centres”.
Thanking all involved, the Chief Executive commented that “I wish to convey my thanks to all those who engaged with us during the application development which included the elected members, public representatives, property owners, Carlow Town Development Forum, County Carlow Chamber, IT Carlow, IDA, Enterprise Ireland, Carlow College, Carlow Tourism, Carlow Farmers Market, An Garda, St. Catherine’s Community Services Centre, Carlow Regional Youth Services and Failte Ireland in shaping and developing the URDF application.”
Concluding the Chief Executive commented “Carlow County Council is determined to take the lead when it comes to driving economic development and attracting national investment in key capital projects not just in Carlow Town but across the County”.
Outlining the project proposals to be developed under this funding, Michael Rainey Director of Services explained that, “this URDF funding provides for a series of ambitious and innovative regeneration projects to be delivered over the next number of years that are designed to enhance the town from a connectivity, experience and wellbeing viewpoint”.
The Director of Services explained that this funding will facilitate three major regeneration interventions. The first element is the Barrack Street Pedestrian Link which will see the creation of a pedestrian and cycle friendly space connecting Potato Market to Barrack Street and the introduction of planting and seating to improve the public realm.
The second of these elements will involve major renewal and improvement measures to Barrack St., Shamrock Square, Kennedy Avenue and Tullow Street.
The final element is the creation of a new pedestrian and cycle friendly linkage from the Railway Station to the town centre through Carlow College.
Concluding and explaining the process for the development of these projects, the Director said “each element of the project will be designed in partnership with our key stakeholders and be subject to the Part VIII planning process where we look forward to hearing the views of the public and our continued positive engagement with representative organisations and the general public”.
Concluding the comments, the Mayor of Carlow Municipal District, Cllr. Fergal Browne said, “This is a game changer for Carlow Town and its future regeneration as envisioned in Project Carlow 2040. I welcome this funding and thank my fellow members in Carlow Municipal District for supporting the development of this application and I look forward to seeing delivery of these projects over the coming years”.
Ends
For further information contact call or text Kieran Comerford on 086/8252037 or e-mail kcomerford@carlowcoco.ie
