It’s hoped a major new funding boost can breathe new life back into the capital of West Clare.
It comes as Kilrush has been awarded €30,000 to develop a masterplan as part of the town centre first initiative.
Kilrush is now the second town in Clare to benefit from the Department of Community and Rural Development’s Town Centre First initiative, after Sixmilebridge received €100,000 in the first phase of the scheme in 2021.
The scheme is designed to enable a community led approach to tackling issues such as vacancy and dereliction, while simultaneously improving recreational areas, streetscapes and green spaces.
Issues of vacancy and dereliction are well documented in Kilrush, with the latest GeoDirectory Report indicating that just below a quarter of all commercial buildings in the town were unoccupied at the end of last year.
Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney believes that given the close proximity of landmark destinations such as the Kilrush Marina and Vandeleur Walled Gardens, the plan will bring the town’s opportunities into sharp focus.
In November, a Pobal analysis based on factors, such as progression to third level education and unemployment found Urban Kilrush to be the most deprived settlement in the county.
The Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District insists that the priority of any masterplan must be enticing people to live and work in the town once again.
A number of projects are already in the pipeline, including repurposing the iconic former Mars Cinema building.
Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch claims that with some of the widest streets in Ireland, the town’s potential is limitless.
