Minister Calleary officially opens major regeneration project in Mohill during visit to Leitrim
- Published on: 24 April 2025
- Last updated on: 24 April 2025
- New multipurpose library and cultural space in Dromahair unveiled
- Projects opened received over €7 million in rural investment
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has today (Thursday 24th April) visited Co. Leitrim to officially open several major regeneration projects supported by his department.
The projects opened have received funding under the Government’s ambitious rural development policy, Our Rural Future.
The Minister’s visit began in Mohill where he officially opened public realm improvements to the town, which received an investment of €3.4 million under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
Speaking in Mohill, Minister Calleary said:
“This exciting and innovative project has delivered much needed public realm upgrades for the community of Mohill.
“These improvements, as well as the introduction of street furniture, signage, and landscaping, all culminate to create a wonderful space for community gatherings, including at the monument of Mohill’s iconic blind harpist, Turlough O’Carolan.
“I note ongoing work also includes the development of a Heritage trail for the town, which will further add to the vitality and vibrancy we see today.”
The Minister then opened the Carrick-on-Shannon Market Yard project funded under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. In addition to creating a Town Centre Tourist Kiosk and Café, the enhancement of this town centre community venue will enable it to host events including festivals and fun days.
During his visit, the Minister also officially opened the new Leitrim Gaels astro turf and community gym, and the new sports facilities at the Mayflower Community Centre in Drumshanbo. Both projects were delivered with the support of the Community Recognition Fund.
Minister Calleary also turned the sod at works to develop the Narrow-Gauge Trail which is being funded through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
The final project opened on the day was at Dromahair library and community facility, which received over €2.2 million under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund .
Speaking at the facility, the Minister said:
“Today, we can see what the investment under Our Rural Future can achieve in our rural towns and villages. This impressive building has been transformed and repurposed for the betterment of the wider community and will support the ongoing revitalisation of Dromahair.”
Notes
Mohill Public Realm - €3.4 million under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund
This project enhances the existing streetscape and encourages footfall, improving the connections between the town’s places of education, work, retail and community settings. The works included the widening of footpaths and the introduction of shared surface space to provide enhanced pedestrian crossings. There have been improvements to existing road surfaces and street lighting, as well as the introduction of street furniture, signage, and landscaping respectively.
Carrick on Shannon Market Yard Project – €500,000 awarded under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme
Enhancement of the town centre community venue “The Market Yard” to host events including festivals, fun days as well as creating a Town Centre Tourist Kiosk and Café.
Dromahair Regeneration - €2.2 million under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund
Located in the former Breffni Centre (Patton’s Hall), this landmark facility encompasses an open library, a modern cultural and creative space, including a workshop and activity space, a multi-purpose meeting room and exhibition space, workspace facilities and a collaborative marker space, which houses a range of equipment including laptops, a 3D printer and a vinyl cutter.
Upgrade of facilities in Mayflower Community Centre and Drumshambo Athletics Club - €302,454 under CRF 2023.
- Mayflower Community Centre basketball and volleyball courts (€169,588)
- Drumshanbo Athletics Club astro turf pitch & running track (€45,966)
- Mayflower Community Centre renovation works (€86,900)
Drumshanbo Narrow Gauge Trail - €401,231 under ORIS 2023.
The project is to develop a full walking loop of Drumshanbo town by extending a trail along the route of the Narrow-Gauge Railway from the R207 (Dowra approach Road), across the Church Road and link to the R208 (Ballinamore approach road).