Latest news with #TownCentreFirstHeritageRevivalScheme
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
One of Kerry's earliest post-independence structures set for revamp
The Ashe Memorial Hall, located at the foot of Denny Street, is an iconic structure and visually impressive building dating to the 1920s. The building was one of the earliest post-independence projects to take place in Tralee and was named after Irish patriot Thomas Ashe. Building works commenced in 1924 and were completed in 1928. The proposed works were agreed on by Tralee Municipal District councillors at a meeting in July following a period of public consultation that expired in May. Among the improvements will be provision for a roof garden with glazed circulation area including lift and stairs access and solar PV panels. The adaptation of existing mansard roof attic space into a new museum space with central rooflight overhead is also being considered. Restoration of the existing original windows throughout the building will take place, including consolidation and repointing of stonework, roof restoration and conservation of existing railings. Improvement of accessibility to the building with the addition of universally accessible toilets and 'changing places' toilet will feature, as will the addition of an external accessible ramp at the front of the building. The Ashe Hall, which is a protected structure, currently accommodates the Kerry County Museum, some Kerry County Council offices, the Rose of Tralee offices and a seasonal Tourist Information Office. Kerry County Council secured funding for the works through the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme co-funded through the Government and the European Union. Among the proposals arising from the public consultation are the addition of a sensory room, a space to enhance bicycle parking in the town centre, and the incorporation of the New European Bauhaus principles as part of the Ashe Memorial Hall works.
Irish Independent
22-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Fianna Fáil councillor takes helm of Gorey district for second time in his political career
Coimisiún na Meán Today at 03:00 Councillor Donal Kenny has been named as cathaoirleach of the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District (GKMD) for the second time in his political career. Assuming the chains of office from outgoing chair, Cllr Oliver Walsh, the Fianna Fáil councillor credited wife Helen with doing 'most of the work' as he looked ahead to his year as cathaoirleach. "Oliver set a good example and I hope to follow in his footsteps, but we're here to work and that's the way it will continue during my term as cathaoirleach,' said Cllr Kenny. 'The team here, the councillors, the officials, and the staff, do a great job together and I'm delighted to be at the helm for the forthcoming year.' For his part, Cllr Walsh described the past year as 'relatively successful' and cited the €7 million received under the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme for the regeneration of Gorey Market House as the highlight of his term. Both men received the congratulations and praise of their colleagues with Cllr Joe Sullivan noting that Cllr Walsh had been a 'fair and honest chair who gave everyone their say' during the district's monthly meeting. 'Efficient and professional' was Cllr Mary Farrell's summation of Cllr Walsh's term and she had no doubt that Cllr Kenny would do as good a job this time as he had when he had previously chaired the district. Cllr Kenny's number two for the upcoming year will be Cllr Anthony Donohue who was nominated as leas-cathaoirleach by his peers. 'I'm sure we'll work well together,' said Cllr Kenny to his new vice-chair.
Irish Independent
17-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
'Hope and optimism' prevail over redevelopment of West Gate House
The work, which is being undertaken by Louth County Council, aims to provide cultural and community facilities as part of the transformation of the West Street area of Drogheda. Terry Hamilton, Town Regeneration Officer, Louth County Council, told Councillors the project is currently under Part 8 planning. He explained that the works involve the refurbishment of West Gate House and the adjacent Drogheda Youth Development building. It is a landmark in the West Gate area, he told members, and is very prominent in terms of how people access West Street. The project is set to be funded by the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme (THRIVE), and the council heard Louth County Council expect to have an update on the funding in the coming months. Mr. Hamilton explained the building will have four elements to it, the refurbishment of the protected structure – West Gate House, the refurbishment of the Drogheda Youth Development building, a flexible space for all users, and a new entrance block. He told members the Part 8 has been advertised and on display in the Civic Buildings, and was opened for submissions between April and May. A public consultation was held in April, in addition to previous public consultations. There was just one submission, and two statutory responses received. The project is proposed for approval by the Chief Executive. Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Michelle Hall asked for a more detailed design of the project, and added that she is 'now full of hope and optimism when I look at this building.' Cllr. Pio Smith paid tribute to the local authority for the progress made on the project to date. ADVERTISEMENT "Getting here has been tough, there has been a massive amount of work done already. I think this will make a hugely significant difference to that area of Drogheda, It fits very well in to the West Gate vision as well.' Cllr. Declan Power welcomed the project, adding he had one query into the future of the Drogheda Youth Building, which he said has been awarded to Culture Connect. Cllr. Kevin Callan praised the work carried out on plans for the redevelopment, saying: 'It must be one of the most difficult buildings in one of the most difficult locations. This building, when it happens, is I think going to jump start the entire redevelopment of that side of town.' Cllr. James Byrne said: 'It will give people hope when we start seeing work happening here and in other buildings, hope that we are starting to turn a corner, and it will really give the town a lift.' Mr. Hamilton told members it is hoped to house the community group in another building, and that Culture Connect will be invited back into Westgate House when works are complete. Director of Service, David Jones, acknowledged the councillor's comments and said a lot of work of taken place in a bid to 'get the project over the line.' Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme
Irish Independent
16-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Galway City Council invites locals to have a say in Westend makeover
The strategy will prioritise 'regeneration and rehabilitation of historic buildings and urban spaces' in Galway's Westend. A variety of partnerships for this initiative, from a design team focused on engagement and sustainability to the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme (THRIVE), will work together to improve the function of these community spaces. A questionnaire was launched by the council on the May 27 and will be live through the end of the June calling on residents to submit feedback like what areas they value most, environmental changes based on season and time of day, as well as improvements and accessibility. 'A key focus of this is engaging people at a grassroots level and incorporating the views of stakeholders into the process of design and implementation,' said a spokesperson for Galway City Council. The council hopes that based on feedback and public engagement through the coming months, a vision for a new West End will come to light as the strategy is refined.
