Funding announced for Killala to develop a 'town centre first' plan
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphries, has announced that €100,000 has been allocated to Mayo County Council to develop a 'town centre first' plan for Killala.
Speaking on the announcement, Fine Gael Councillor Jarlath Munnelly welcomed the news, stating that this was an enormous opportunity for Killala to realise its potential in a planned and strategic manner that will include the community, led by Mayo County Council.
He commented: “A lot of work has taken place in Killala recently on water and sewerage infrastructure. Presently, roads and footpaths are being reinstated, whilst public consultation is underway for new roads and footpaths in the core of the town.
“This masterplan is the next phase – regenerating Killala, addressing vacant and derelict buildings, fulfilling the incredible potential this historic town has.”
Councillor Munnelly acknowledged the assistance and support received, thanking the staff of Mayo County Council, who prepared a very high-quality submission, Deputy Michael Ring, who was a minister in this department when this policy was developed, and Deputy Alan Dillon, for help in delivering the funding.
As part of the government's Our Rural Future policy, there is a commitment to develop a Town Centre First (TCF) policy to ensure town centres become vibrant places in which to live and work. A plan-led approach to regeneration of town centres will be a central feature of Town Centre First. In that regard, the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) is providing this funding towards the development of masterplans.
The masterplan for Killala will reimagine the potential of the town, focusing in particular on its centre and immediate surrounds. It will identify specific interventions, including tackling dereliction and vacancy, de-carbonisation, maintaining a strong local economy, creating high value job opportunities, and promoting compact growth.
Announcing the funding today for one town in each local authority area, Minister Humphreys said: “This is about delivering on the objectives of Our Rural Future and ensuring our towns have the right plan in place to tackle the issues of dereliction, vacant properties and, above all, to become better places to live, work and run a business.”