Young people engage in public consultation for historic building in Offaly

A public consultation to gauge the community’s feelings and aspirations towards the development of a former Co-op building on River Street, Clara, saw an excellent turnout.

The development of the former is Project 4 of Clara’s Town Centre First Plan, implemented through a partnership between Offaly County Council and the Clara Town Centre First Team.

Helena McElmeel Architects are the consultants commissioned to design the development plan for the building, and they were delighted to see the enthusiastic and positive response from the community.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of the public consultation was the significant number of young people who attended and actively participated. It was heartening to witness such enthusiasm from the youth of the town. Prior to the event, the two primary schools took part in art competitions. The girls' school focused on creative suggestions for the building’s development, while the boys expressed more interest in utilising the river behind the building for various water activities.

Renowned local artist Vincent Devine took time off to judge the competition. He found it challenging to select winners, as all the children’s artwork was bursting with creativity and enthusiasm. Ultimately, Vincent chose six winners from the girls' school and two from the boys' school. The winners received prizes donated by Offaly County Council.

The Town Centre First Plan for Clara consists of fifteen projects, and Project 4 is among the first to move towards implementation. The Clara Town Centre First Team expresses their appreciation to the Community for their participation, to the TownRegeneration Officer, Olwen Cummins and to Offaly County Council for their behind-the-scenes support and guidance in ensuring the successful realisation of the Town Centre First Plan. A tedious and sometimes slow process that will eventually greatly help Clara to thrive as a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.

At the May Tullamore Municipal District meeting, Cathaoirleach, Councillor Frank Moran said the Clara Town Team, ''are absolutely fantastic with the way they have brought the whole aspect of the plan together and how they are looking at the future development of the town

I think there are 16 sub-committees within that town team. It goes to show the diversity of the people within the town. They all come together on a by-monthly basis,'' he said.

READ NEXT River Trust to be established to promote and protect River Brosna

He added that hopefully they will keep going with the projects and the funding will come down the line.