Major Offaly project could take five years to reach completion

AN exciting plan to transform the Banagher Marina space and renovate the long vacant Royal Shannon Hotel, could take up to five years to bring to fruition, the Tribune has learned.

The County Council has said that it could take as long as five years from today's date before locals and visitors will be able to enjoy what will be a beautifully upgraded space.

During the May monthly meeting of Birr Municipal District, the Council's Town Regeneration Officer Olwen Cummins told the Councillors that the Master Plan for the proposed development was completed last year. She said the project is being funded by a government grant from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) and the project's match funding will be provided by the Local Property Tax (LPT). The Councillors pointed out that this was yet another example of how beneficial the LPT is for the county.

Ms Cummins said the Royal Shannon Hotel has been bought by the Council with the RRDF funding. “A Conservation Architect has been appointed to create a Conservation Master Plan for the Royal Shannon Hotel site,” she remarked.” There are lots of potential uses for the hotel site.

The Council's vision is to utilise and enhance the “unique character and location of the Banagher Marina and Environs to create a walkable, attractive and active area, better linked to the wider town centre and to provide new civic, residential, amenity and recreational assets.”

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