Claffey welcomes progress on Banagher Regeneration Project
Cllr Clare Claffey has warmly welcomed the approval of €150,000 match funding from Offaly County Council for regeneration projects in Banagher. The funds will be used as match funding for the Banagher Regeneration Project, which has been allocated €395,250 under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, announced in 2020.
The project includes the development of an Architectural and Tourism Masterplan for Banagher Marina and the area around it, including appraisal of use of vacant buildings, design of marina enhancement projects, which may then be submitted for funding under future rounds of the RRDF.
The project also plans to carry out an appraisal, and to propose and design remedial works for the Shannon Hotel site, a prominent derelict site close to the marina, to prepare for future capital investment. In the last year, the site was purchased by a local buyer and hopes are now high for a positive future for the building.
Cllr Claffey said an Architectural and Tourism Masterplan for Banagher Marina and Environs will be drawn up in partnership with local stakeholders including Banagher Development Group, local businesses and residents. She welcomed the co-operation between the local authority, local development groups, businesses and the wider community that led to the success of the application.
“It’s great news for the town and I’m delighted to be working with council officials and the Banagher community to progress the upgrading of our town. There has been some public consultation already and the consultants are now working with stakeholders to draft the plan. I would invite anyone who would like to comment or be involved, to contact me. This project will regenerate the town of Banagher and make Banagher and the surrounding area a more attractive place to live, work and visit.”
The project will be funded by the Rural Regeneration Fund – a central government fund, with matching funding from the Local Property Tax.
"The Banagher Regeneration project gives an unprecedented opportunity to deliver the scale of investment necessary to allow a rural community to further develop and prosper. This investment is more important than ever to help address the challenges arising from the COVID-19 crisis and to drive economic recovery and sustainable development in rural areas."