The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced today (14th December 2022) details of the projects that have been approved for funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2022. A total of €1.2m was secured for Offaly’s Towns and Villages, the largest grant amount proportioned to any county in the Country for 2022.
Offaly County Council’s successful project details are as follows:
| Town | Project Approved | Grants approved |
| Market Square, Birr | The development of a plaza at Market Square in Birr to create an outdoor meeting and recreational space in the town centre that can facilitate outdoor dining and where pedestrian activity will be a priority. | €250,000 |
| Kilcormac Fiesta Hall | Refurbishment of Fiesta Hall in Kilcormac which is currently vacant into a multi-purpose space which is low carbon and energy efficient. | €500,000 |
| ShinroneOld Library Building | Refurbishment and repurposing of the old Shinrone Library building that has been vacant for 13 years, into a modern multi-purpose community space. | €250,000 |
| Clara | Funding under the Streetscape Enhancement Measure | €100,000 |
| Daingean Town Hall, Project Development Measure | Detailed design proposal, costings and planning for restoration and refurbishment works/alterations to the Daingean town hall to create a modern multi-functional space/hub for community use. | €50,000 |
| Moneygall Village Project Development Measure | Architect led design team to deliver a detailed design proposal and planning permission for refurbishment of a derelict property into a multi-purpose community space/hub | €50,000 |
This is in addition to the new TVR Building Acquisition Measure Scheme which was introduced in May 2022 to facilitate the purchase of two Vacant/Derelict Buildings as follows
| Property Location | Description |
| Ballyboy | Purchase of the former Community Hall for use as a multi-purpose community space |
| Moneygall | Purchase of the former family-run business with a garage to be converted into a multi-purpose community and enterprise hub |
Speaking after the announcement today, Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council Cllr Frank Moran welcomed the announcement saying “I welcome the announcement of funding under the TVR Scheme for towns and villages across the County today. This funding is about helping communities to adapt to ongoing challenges and it will help make our towns and villages attractive places to live, work and do business. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the communities who engaged with Offaly County Council in order to prepare these projects as it is evident the partnership approach between the Local Authority and Community groups is working well”.
On hearing the announcement, Offaly County Council, Chief Executive, Anna-Marie Delaney, said “seven Towns and Villages across the County of Offaly are set to benefit from a €1.2million investment in a variety of projects as part of these announcements. The 2022 Scheme prioritised tackling vacancy and dereliction in towns and villages, while other projects support active and vibrant town or village centres, remote working, upgrading shopfronts and street facades, and green spaces and parks”
Further calls for expression of interest from communities will be advertised in 2023, and Offaly County Council would welcome applications particularly from towns and villages that have a need/use for community space in a vacant/derelict property in their town/village center.