Galway County Council has confirmed that the preparation of detailed designs for two multi-million-euro renewal projects in Athenry and Tuam town centres has commenced.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD this week announced an allocation of €6,075,518 for the Athenry Public Realm Enhancement Project.
An additional €3,679,200 has been awarded for the upgrade of Tuam Town Hall under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF).
Both projects include the development of County Galway’s first community hubs under the Department’s Connected Hubs initiative, offering hot-desks and co-working spaces and promoting the growing trend of remote working across the county.
The County Council said the developments will proceed to tender stage once detailed designs have been completed. Part 8 planning approval was secured for both projects in 2023.
Cllr. Liam Carroll, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway described the developments as “transformational” for Athenry and Tuam.
“This funding announcement effectively gives the green light to Galway County Council to immediately progress both projects,” he added.
“The public realm enhancement works in Athenry will substantially improve accessibility in the town centre, and will deliver an attractive and vibrant streetscape befitting a town the size and economic importance of Athenry.”
“Likewise, the proposed renovation and repurposing of the historic Tuam Town Hall will bring it back into community use and preserve it for future generations.”
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council commented, “Athenry’s public realm is important to the socio-economic vitality of the town, providing for social interaction, movement and access, attracting visitors and tourists, and enhancing the town environment.”
“Through an intensive public engagement process, an agreed vision for the public realm has been devised and we look forward to delivering a project that gives pedestrians priority, and creates a safer, greener, and more attractive town with improved linkages to several key historical landmarks.”
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a key capital investment scheme which directly supports the objectives of Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First policy.
The RRDF supports projects that have the potential to revitalise rural towns and villages in line with the Town Centre First Policy,
This aims for sustainable regeneration that will drive greater economic activity and footfall, address vacancy and dereliction, and ensure the reuse of heritage and other existing buildings and provide the necessary facilities and infrastructure in settlements, which will assist in attracting people to live, work and invest in rural areas
