It’s ‘operation transformation’ as 26 Irish towns get to work on major makeovers

Twenty-six towns across Ireland have started working on an ambitious regeneration initiative geared towards breathing new life into places.

Here, we look at the transformation that could be on the way for three towns through the Town Centre First initiative.

Milford, Co Donegal

Milford has several vacant and derelict properties. These form part of the town team’s plan for the area.

The development of a community park at Mount Marian, to include pathways, cycleways and charging points, is proposed. It is also intended to address the lack of public recreational space for young people.

A covered dome area to facilitate a mix of sporting activities, as well as plans to develop the site of the old Milford Hotel – which has been derelict for over two decades – is also in the works.

“The concept is to retain some part of the facade as a gateway to a public space which could also facilitate some commercial units and could also be used as an area for outdoor events or markets,” said Donegal town ­regeneration officer (TRO) Patricia McIntyre.

Clara, Co Offaly

Plans to create a vibrant town centre in Clara have led to the acquisition of the Co-op by the town team.

The Co-op is a derelict building that town officials hope to see restored as a multi-purpose community space.

Plans are under way to improve the quality and functionality of streets, as well as to add new street furniture. A former rail line has been earmarked for transformation into a greenway. A walking route by the River Brosna is also on the cards, as is a watersports facility.

“Midsize towns like Clara suffer from retail decline, dereliction and vacancy,” said Offaly TRO Olwen Cummins. “New pollination of buildings and spaces has become virtually impossible.”

Dunleer, Co Louth

The town team in Dunleer is looking into the creation of better links to the White River – an underutilised asset running parallel to the Main Street. It is also hoped to establish biodiverse links connected to it.

These include a network of ­pedestrian loops linking Dunleer’s public open ­spaces and improving connectivity between different parts of the town.

Additionally, a vacant building on Main Street could house a new library.

“The reuse of a vacant building on Main Street as a new public library is proposed,” said Louth TRO Terry Hamilton.

“Another key project is the revitalisation of the Main Street itself to create an enhanced pedestrian experience.”

Mairéad Hunt, national co-ordinator for Town Centre First, said: “This is operation transformation for Ireland’s towns, with communities coming together to make unique plans to sustain and improve their urban centres.

“The policy contains 33 unique, game-changing actions that will give our towns the tools and resources they need to become more viable, attractive and resilient places in which to live, work, visit and run a business.”

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