Monaghan County Council has recently secured “Category 2” funding under the Government’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) to advance plans for the redevelopment of the historic Carrickmacross Workhouse site into a modern Community, Tourism and Arts Hub.
Cooney Architects were appointed by Monaghan County Council as architects to prepare a Part 8 planning application for the proposed works.
The 6-acre Carrickmacross Workhouse campus, located in the heart of the town, currently accommodates 28 community groups and services. Acquired by Monaghan County Council in 2019, the site is already recognised as a vital community, educational and social hub. The Council’s vision, in partnership with Farney Community Development Group (FCDG), is to fully restore the site, preserve its heritage, and transform it into a multi-purpose facility serving the South Monaghan region.
Over €2.2 million has already been invested in the Workhouse over the past 20 years through PEACE, INTERREG, LEADER and the International Fund for Ireland, ensuring the survival of key buildings and services. This new stage will allow Monaghan County Council and FCDG to unlock the full potential of the campus as a focal point for social, cultural, and tourism activity.
Speaking on the announcement, Robert Burns, Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, said:
“This planning application is a crucial step in realising the vision for Carrickmacross Workhouse. The project will safeguard vital community services already operating on the site while creating new opportunities for tourism, culture and social enterprise. The Workhouse is an important part of our heritage, and this redevelopment will ensure it becomes a vibrant centre of activity and pride for future generations.”
Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, PJ O’Hanlon, also welcomed the planning application, stating:
“The Carrickmacross Workhouse project is about more than restoring buildings – it’s about investing in our community, supporting families, and creating opportunities for young people. This development will not only enhance Carrickmacross but also provide lasting benefits for the wider South Monaghan area. It is an example of how Monaghan County Council works hand in hand with local groups to deliver projects that make a real difference on the ground.”
The proposed Carrickmacross Community, Tourism and Arts Hub will:
- Deliver a dedicated community and social enterprise hub for South Monaghan.
- Act as a catalyst for private sector investment, supporting local businesses in accommodation, hospitality, and tourism services.
- Encourage people to live and work in the town core, boosting its vitality and economy.
- Redevelop a prominent and underutilised site for social, educational, cultural and economic benefit.
- Enhance local tourism by providing access to heritage assets and new visitor facilities.
- Establish a dedicated childcare centre with expanded capacity to meet demand.
- Provide an arts facility with flexible space for performances, exhibitions and workshops.
- Offer meeting rooms and community facilities to serve local groups.
This redevelopment project will build on the town’s strengths, reinforcing its role as a social, cultural and economic hub for South Monaghan and beyond.
