Claims Future Of Shannon Venue In Doubt After “Puzzling” Funding Announcement

The chairman of the Shannon Venue project says its future is now in doubt after it received what he described as a “puzzling” amount of funding under a government urban regeneration scheme.

Two projects in Ennis also received backing in the same initiative – this has received a broad welcome.

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Details of funding under the Government’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund were announced yesterday, but while there were celebrations in some quarters, disappointment has been expressed in Shannon.

The Shannon Venue, a multi-functional Community, Civic and Arts Centre has been allocated around 100 thousand euro to proceed with a masterplan for the project and the area.

However, those behind the development are disappointed as they say they’re shovel-ready, and had sought much more funding as they feel they’re ready to begin construction.

The Chairman of the board of the Shannon venue, Derek Barrett, has expressed frustration.

A meeting on the Shannon Venue allocation, and where the project goes from here, will be held later this year.

Meanwhile, there has been a broad welcome for funding announced for parts of Ennis Town Centre.

1.4 million euro for the regeneration of the Parnell Street area, including its 29 bow-ways, with a further 189,000 going towards the revitalisation of Barack Street.

A planning application will be lodged from next week and it’s hoped the works will be completed by 2020.

Parnell Street Trader Martin Waldron of Craftworks says the money will make a big difference but he insists more work needs to be done.