Minister Calleary visits Leitrim for openings and project visits
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, visited Leitrim on Thursday 15th October to officially open several outdoor recreation sites, community facilities and regeneration projects.
The Minister also turned the sod on a €2.45 million project at Glenfarne Wood that is funded, in partnership with Coillte, through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
The Minister began the day in Drumshanbo where he officially opened the Narrow Gauge Trail. With an investment of over €400,000 from the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, the Narrow Gauge Trail follows the historic Cavan–Leitrim railway corridor and will provide tourists and locals alike with a new and accessible trail for walking and cycling.
Speaking at the opening, Minister Calleary said:
“It is a great pleasure to be here today to officially mark the completion of the Drumshanbo Narrow Gauge Trail, a project that demonstrates the real and lasting impact that investment in outdoor recreation can have on rural communities.
“Today we celebrate much more than the completion of a trail. We celebrate an investment in community wellbeing, heritage, recreation and rural tourism. Most importantly, we celebrate a project that will be enjoyed by people of all ages for years to come.”
Next, Minister Calleary presided over the official opening of the refurbished Drumkeerin Community Centre. €50,000 in CLÁR funding facilitated the enhancement works; which included the replacement of all windows and doors, and the installation of new floor tiling in the main hallway, toilets and kitchen.
Cathaoirleach Councillor Mary Bohan stated that “projects funded under the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht have been transformative for towns and villages right across our county. The investments have brought new life and renewed opportunity to rural communities—from improved infrastructure and amenities to inclusive community spaces that welcome all members of the Community”. Councillor Bohan also commented on the significant work undertaken by volunteers throughout the County to bring these projects to fruition.
At Glenfarne, Minister Calleary turned the sod to commence construction at the new Glenfarne Wood Rural Regeneration Project which will transform the woodland and lakeshore into a major visitor attraction within Ireland's Hidden Heartlands. The works commenced will include a new trailhead building, expanded parking facilities, a new multi-access playground and a new sensory walk trail.
Staying in Glenfarne, Minister Calleary officially opened the expanded carpark at the Rainbow Ballroom of Romance. Over €44,000 in funding was provided under the CLÁR programme to create a car parking area which is accessible and safe for all to use including people with limited mobility.
Joseph Gilhooly, Chief Executive highlighted the significance of the funding allocations made by Minister Dara Calleary. He noted that the contributions through CLÁR, Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Community Recognition Fund and Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Schemes were instrumental in bringing projects to life and ensuring their long-term impacts on the County.
In his last engagement of the day, Minister Calleary officially opened the Manor Youth Hub. The previously vacant building in Manorhamilton was building was purchased by Leitrim County Council with funding of €150,000 under the Department’s Building Acquisition Measure before Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS). Funding of €250,000 was used to deliver the first phase of the redevelopment of the building. Further funding of €132,000 under the Community Recognition Fund (CRF) in 2024 has been used to bring this project to completion and provide a fully accessible, dedicated youth hub in the centre of Manorhamilton.
Speaking at the opening of the Youth Hub, the Minister said:
“There was a clear vision from the outset to acquire this vacant building and give it a new purpose in the heart of Manorhamilton. This project demonstrates how different funding streams can be used together to deliver a significant project that may not otherwise have been possible.
“I want to wish all the young people who will use the Manor Youth Hub every success and enjoyment in this new space. I hope it becomes a place filled with friendship, activity and opportunity for you all.”