Minister opens three projects across Louth

Last Tuesday saw Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD officially opened three community projects in Louth.

The projects, located in Omeath, Dundalk, and Termonfeckin, were delivered by Louth County Council with funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, under various national programmes.

Minister Calleary began his visit in Omeath, where he officially opened the Omeath Placemaking Scheme, a €3.18 million project funded by the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) with matched funding from Louth County Council.

The project, delivered by GLAS Civil Engineering Ltd and designed by Building Design Partnership Ltd (BDP), transformed a 10,000 sqm area with new paving, road surfacing, feature lighting, seating, landscaping, and upgraded drainage and utilities. The initiative was developed in close collaboration with Omeath District Development Company, Omeath Tidy Towns, and Louth County Council.

Minister Dara Calleary TD, said: “I am delighted that my department has been able to make an almost €3 million investment, through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, into this project which will encourage social and economic growth by setting up the village to capitalise on the increased visitor numbers along the Great Eastern Greenway and the Narrow Water Bridge area.

“These works will add greatly to the town’s tourism offering as a base for exploration on the Cooley Peninsula. I would like to congratulate Louth County Council and the project partners in delivering this project. This is what the RRDF is all about – tackling vacancy and dereliction and breathing new life into our rural town centres, creating opportunities for further growth and development.”

At the official opening, Cllr. Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council said:

“From the scenic public realm improvements in Omeath to the vibrant upgrades at St Helena’s in Dundalk, and the much-needed new play area in Termonfeckin, these initiatives show how strategic investment can transform local spaces.

“They reflect Louth County Council’s ongoing commitment to building inclusive, welcoming environments across the county. I want to thank the local groups and council teams whose dedication brought these projects to life.”

The Minister then travelled to Dundalk, where he officially opened the refurbished St Helena’s Playground and Bandstand, funded through the Community Recognition Fund 2023.

The playground received €380,000 for a full refurbishment, including the installation of accessible play equipment such as a wheelchair-friendly eight-person seesaw and swing. The bandstand was restored with a new zinc roof, fascia, and fresh paintwork, supported by a €75,000 grant.

The projects were supported and developed by Dundalk Tidy Towns, with Garden Escapes and Mullacurry Construction delivering the works for the playground and the bandstand, respectively, and Louth County Council.

Minister Dara Calleary TD said: “The Community Recognition Fund was first introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. To date €100 million has been provided to cities, towns, and villages nationwide who have hosted new arrivals. County Louth has been allocated funding of over €2.8 million under the Community Recognition Fund, and over €450,000 has been allocated for this refurbishment project here at St Helena’s Playground & Bandstand.

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“This enhancement has created an even more enjoyable and welcoming space for the whole community and surrounding areas to engage in. St Helena’s Playground and Bandstand boasts an upgraded adventure fenced playground which is suitable for children of all abilities. This roofed bandstand is a lovely addition to the park and will no doubt be host to many enjoyable events in the future.”

The final stop was in Termonfeckin, where Minister Calleary opened the village’s community playground, which is based on the site of a former water tower. The €250,000 project was funded under the Town & Village Renewal Scheme 2021, with additional support from Creative Ireland, which provided €10,000 for community-designed artwork along the playground fencing.

David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said: “These three projects, stretching from Omeath to Termonfeckin, demonstrate Louth County Council’s commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive public spaces across the length and breadth of Louth. They are a testament to what can be achieved through strong partnerships between local communities, elected members, and national government.”