Clare County Council has welcomed the announcement of €1 million in funding under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) for the delivery of significant public realm regeneration and enhancement projects in Killaloe and Ballina.
The funding, announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, will support the Killaloe-Ballina Twin Town Tourism, Regeneration and Enhancement Project, enabling the project to progress through detailed design, public consultation, and statutory planning approval.
The proposed multi-million-euro scheme will revitalise the public realm in the twin town centres and transform the vacant Killaloe Courthouse into a cultural and musical venue. The project also places a strong emphasis on sustainable transport solutions, including enhanced pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, traffic management, and parking improvements, in line with the Killaloe-Ballina Town Enhancement and Mobility Plan.
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Paul Murphy said, “This investment will help revitalise the centres of these historic towns, making them more attractive for investment, business growth and social activity and supporting their continued development as key hubs and destinations in the region.”
Declan Flanagan, A/Senior Engineer, Killaloe Municipal District said, “The public realm enhancement works proposed will also substantially improve accessibility in the twin towns by delivering an attractive and vibrant streetscape befitting their size and economic importance to the wider East Clare and North Tipperary areas.”
Making the announcement, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, said, “I am delighted to announce the successful projects selected from applications to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. This €1 billion Fund was established under Project Ireland 2040 to deliver the targeted investment necessary to ensure that rural Ireland continues to grow and prosper and deliver on balanced regional growth that is in everyone’s interests.”
Clare County Council will continue to work in partnership with Tipperary County Council and local stakeholders to deliver the project.