Boost for Offaly village as derelict landmark building to get new lease of life

A derelict Co-Op building in the heart of Clara is to be given a new lease of life, Offaly County Council has announced.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD recently announced Clara Town Team’s success in its application to acquire a vacant and derelict town centre building in Clara, in partnership with Offaly County Council, through the Building Acquisition Measure under the 2023 Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

The Co-Op is a very significant building in terms of its place in Clara’s history, its prominent access to the Brosna River and its town centre location.

The Town Team can now further apply for Town and Village grants to assist with design fees and future capital costs to refurbish the building into a multipurpose community space.

Offaly County Council Chief Executive, Anna Marie Delaney welcomed the announcement saying: “This initiative is all about giving our local communities the tools to address the challenges of vacancy and dereliction in their towns and villages and in doing so, we will help to drive footfall into our town centres and make them even better places to live, work and invest in.

“I would like to congratulate the Town Team on this success and their diligent work to date.”

Speaking after the announcement, Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick said: “bringing such a prominent building back into use is excellent news for the town of Clara and will visually enhance the streetscape as well as meeting the needs of the community.”

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