Clare County Council has been successful in securing funding for five separate rural regeneration and development projects under the €1 billion Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), a key component of Project Ireland 2040.
€6.8 million has been secured for projects in Loop Head, Lahinch, Doolin, Kilrush and Holy Island.
All RRDF projects applications were prepared and submitted to deliver on the targets of the Clare Rural Development Strategy. This involved collaboration across various Council departments, Municipal Districts, local communities and specific partnerships with Kilrush Amenity Trust and Lahinch Seaworld as stakeholders.
Successful Clare Projects
Lahinch Seaworld and Town Upgrade Project (€2,860,000): This project is a substantial upgrade of the Lahinch Seaworld community-run facility and associated public realm works in the town. It includes: The retrofitting of the Seaworld building; new public toilets; public realm works; completion of building of new Surf Rescue and Training Centre, Lahinch sports field, new car park and amenity area.
Vandeleur Estate, Kilrush (€1,720,000): This project will restore part of the historic Vandeleur Estate, which has been in existence since 1808. The project will respect the existing facilities and buildings within the surrounding area and will include a new museum; and development of arts and crafts facilities to promote local heritage.
Loop Head Visitor Attraction (€868,500): This is a significant tourism project which will refurbish and expand the facilities at the historic Loop Head visitor lighthouse attraction with a view to enhancing the capacity and attractiveness of the lighthouse. The project will assist in the enhancement of the existing tourism offering in the area, delivering benefits to the wider community through increased activity.
Inis Cealtra Island (€920,500): Clare County Council will develop a detailed design for a visitor centre, a design for a new boat landing point including visitor trails and the production of an interpretation strategy for the island.
Doolin Pier: Clare County Council will develop a masterplan to develop a new visitor and tourist Centre at Doolin pier.
A separate Clare project has also benefited from funding totalling €666,300. Fáilte Ireland will develop a plan to solve critical congestion and visitor management issues along the Wild Atlantic Way at 15 key locations within the counties of Clare and Kerry.
A detailed list of the successful projects is available at https://drcd.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/190214-RRDF-Successful-Projects.pdf.