Building in Clara to be bought for redevelopment as community space

A premises in Clara which was previously used as retail outlets and flats is to be purchased by the State and redeveloped as a multi-purpose community space.

The former Recks building on River Street is due to be acquired as part of the Government's Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

The news was welcomed today (Monday) by local TD Barry Cowen.

"The redevelopment of this property is excellent news and the provision of a multi-purpose community space will be welcomed by everybody in the town," he said.

"I am seeking more detail on the specific use and services to be provided by this community space once it is up and running.

"There has been, and continues to be, enormous work done in Clara on regeneration and redevelopment, and Cllr Frank Moran and the local team in the town deserve congratulations for their efforts.

"A key priority Fianna Fáil in Government is the revitalisation and regeneration of towns and villages in Rural Ireland to make them vibrant places for people of all ages to live and work. Clara has also been selected as one of 26 towns nationwide to be allocated Government funding under a Town Centre First Plan.

"The plan, which was published last year, has become the blueprint for provision of Government funding for town regeneration, presents a new vision for Clara and underlines Government's commitment to regeneration in Rural Ireland," Deputy Cowen added.

Minister Pippa Hackett expressed her delight for the community of Clara on this funding for the building purchase.

"This shows the Government's commitment to Town Centre First planning, and rewards hard work by the town centre team, who make it all look easy, and I know it isn't!" she said.

"They show dedication over a long time and credit to them, the wider community and the Town Centre First officer in the Council who works with them."