‘Timeless’ Leitrim village seen as missed opportunity for film industry investment

A call was made to promote Kiltyclogher as a film destination, to showcase its distinct character and help bring energy and economic growth to the local area.

Cllr Justin Warnock asked that the Arts Officer of Leitrim County Council seek funding to promote Kiltyclogher for this purpose, noting that it has all the attributes necessary, heritage, culture, traditional streets, unique buildings, rivers, lakes, mountains, and a welcoming community, to make it an ideal location for national or international film producers.

A Council response noted that the Creative Heartlands project, involving Leitrim, Sligo, and Roscommon County Councils, proposes to continue working together in the area of film development for the period of 2026 to 2029. 

As part of this, it’s proposed that a film development officer be engaged; in addition to supporting the ongoing development of filmmakers in the three counties, the officer will promote the region as a location for inward investment, particularly in areas with distinct characteristics.

READ NEXT: Gardaí to be notified of safety concerns of dangerous section of Leitrim road

There was no outward mention of Kiltyclogher in the reply, and Cllr Warnock expressed disappointment with this.

“There’s no other place in Leitrim that is as timeless. It has stood still and there’s a great opportunity for it,” said Cllr Warnock, adding that Kiltyclogher “needs footfall.”

“If we don’t do something it will go downhill. It has the village and it also has mountains, rivers and the rurality of it all,” he added.

Cllr Felim Gurn described it as a “huge missed opportunity,” highlighting the number of staff involved in filmmaking and noting that it would bring many people and considerable benefits to the area.

READ NEXT: North Leitrim 'devoid of rail infrastructure' a Leitrim senator told Oireachtas this week