Galway County Council and Údarás na Gaeltachta have announced a significant partnership to develop a Town Centre First (TCF ) Plan for An Cheathrú Rua, set to commence in 2025.
The initiative, which forms part of the Government’s Town Centre First policy introduced in 2022, aims to transform An Cheathrú Rua into a vibrant hub that serves as the social, cultural, economic, and recreational centre for the local community.
Comharchumann Mhic Dara will spearhead the formation of a dedicated Town Centre First Team, working in collaboration with Galway County Council and Údarás na Gaeltachta. This Town Team will comprise various local stakeholders, community groups, and organisations, all focused on delivering positive change for An Ceathrú Rua.
Working closely with Galway County Council’s Town Regeneration Officer and Regeneration Team, along with local Municipal District members, the Town Team will identify key projects for improving the area. These projects will be incorporated into the Town Centre First Plan, positioning them to compete for funding from various public schemes, including RRDF, TVR, and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
The plan will complement existing initiatives, including Plean Gníomhaíochta An Cheathrú Rua 2021-2026 and Leithinis Spóirt na Gaeltachta 2021, while ensuring alignment with both national and county-wide strategies and policies.
The development process will include multiple public engagement sessions, ensuring the entire community has the opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of An Ceathrú Rua.
“An Cheathrú Rua stands as Ireland’s premier village for daily Irish language use, making it crucial for language planning initiatives. Working alongside Galway County Council, we’re seizing a vital opportunity to build on this strength, enhancing its potential for business development, tourism, and overall community growth,” according to Rónán Mac Con Iomaire, Director of Regional, Community & Language Planning at Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Details of the plan were presented at the Municipal District of Connemara meeting held at an Crompán on Friday, November 8th, 2024.
