Final decision made on future use of old Town Hall in Leitrim

An update was provided on the plans for the old Town Hall on Bridge Street in Carrick-on-Shannon.

Cllr Paddy Farrell requested the update at a meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District, noting that he is regularly asked by constituents about the status of the project.

The Council secured funding through THRIVE 1 (Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme) to carry out a feasibility study to determine an agreed future use for the Town Hall. This also brought the project through the Part 8 planning process.

Following an extensive public consultation process and close engagement with the Carrick-on-Shannon Town Team, it was agreed that the Town Hall would be repurposed as a River Shannon Interpretive Centre, which will include a community space and a community garden to the rear of the building.

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A further funding application has now been submitted to secure capital for the construction and renovation works. 

Of the eight local authorities in the North West eligible to apply for Strand 2 funding, seven have submitted applications, with the total funding requested exceeding the available allocation.

As a result, the process is expected to be highly competitive, and a decision on funding is anticipated in late September or early October.

Cllr Farrell also urged the District Engineer to deploy hedge-cutting crews across the Carrick Municipal District without delay, particularly at hazardous junctions and verges, to ensure road user safety.

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In response, the Roads Department confirmed, “Leitrim County Council has a contractor employed for the verge trimming and hedge cutting of all regional road junctions. 

“This contractor has commenced on June 30 with a number of units and is currently working across the Carrick Municipal District.”