An Coimisiun Pleanala has approved the planning application submitted by Galway County Council for the Clifden Regeneration Project.
Local Fine Gael Councillor Eileen Mannion in welcoming the decision, said that the planning approval will now allow Galway County Council seek funding to deliver this ambitious project for Clifden.
The Regeneration Project includeds the Town Centre Enhancement, Clifden Harbour Park Development and Beach Road Quay re-design.
The Town Centre Enhancement includes reconfiguration and resurfacing of roads and realignment of parking spaces. Widening and realignment of footpaths including the provision of new soft and hard landscaping, the upgrade of public lights, the relocation of The Beacon Statue and the installation of new public art.
The Clifden Harbour Park Development includes the construction of a multi-age playground area, community garden, car parking, cycle parking facilites, the relocation of The Beacon and flood prevention measures.
The Beach Road Quay re-design will include formal mooring bollards, seating areas, lighting and planting.
Funding to bring the project to this 'shovel ready' stage was granted in 2020 by then Minister for Community and Rural Affairs, Michael Ring, under Category 2 of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
Cllr Mannion stated that the delivery of this regeneration project will be transformational for Clifden and it will ensure that the town will continue to attract visitors to the area and extend the tourist season. It will also ensure that Clifden continues to be a vibrant town for the local community and will provide enhanced amenity facilities for all age groups.
Cllr Mannion also asknowledged that there are concerns in relation to the reduction of on-street car parking spaces, but says that there are plans to address this with additional off-street parking.
