Carrickmacross–Castleblayney Municipal District is pleased to announce the formal signing of contracts for the Carrickmacross Public Realm Project.
This enabling regeneration initiative has received funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, with match funding provided by Monaghan County Council.
The project involves the detailed design of public realm enhancements for Main Street and Bridewell Lane, progressing the scheme through to the construction tender stage. Reddy Architecture + Urbanism has been appointed as lead design consultant to bring the project to ‘shovel ready’ status.
The overarching purpose of the Public Realm Project is to enhance and improve the way Carrickmacross Town functions on a day-to-day basis, with resulting long-term socio-economic, cultural and economic benefits for residents, businesses and visitors.
This will be achieved through a range of interventions, including the ‘greening’ of the town centre to improve the environment through planting and landscaping, enhancing the streetscape and promoting the health and well-being of residents and visitors. The project will also see the reinvention of the town centre as a place for people, where residents, visitors and shoppers can enjoy visiting and appreciate the town’s buildings and spaces, while improving accessibility for people of all ages and abilities and creating a more inclusive environment.
In addition, the project will deliver improved and new pedestrian and cycling linkages between the town centre and the Convent lands, Gallows Hill and Carrickmacross Workhouse areas. Key urban spaces within the town will be designated for enhancement, with specific urban design proposals developed to support their regeneration.
The project will also realise the potential of Carrickmacross’s heritage and cultural assets, showcasing the town’s unique history and identity for residents while providing a strong foundation to grow its tourism offering.
Welcoming the milestone, Robert Burns, Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, said:
“The formal signing of contracts for the Carrickmacross Public Realm Project marks a significant milestone in Monaghan County Council’s commitment to sustainable regeneration and place making. With the support of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and Council match funding, this project will deliver a high quality, shovel ready design that reimagines the heart of Carrickmacross. The enhancements proposed for Main Street and Bridewell Lane will strengthen the town’s social, cultural and economic fabric, ensuring it remains a vibrant, accessible and attractive place to live, work and visit for generations to come.”
Cathaoirleach of Carrickmacross–Castleblayney Municipal District, Cllr. Paul Gibbons, said:
“This is a very positive and welcome development for Carrickmacross and the wider Municipal District. The Public Realm Project reflects a strong local vision for a greener, more people focused town centre that supports business, improves accessibility and celebrates our unique heritage. Progressing the scheme to tender stage is a crucial step, and I commend all those involved for their commitment to delivering a project that will have lasting benefits for our communities.”
Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Cllr. PJ O’Hanlon, added:
“The Carrickmacross Public Realm Project demonstrates how strategic investment, strong local leadership and partnership working can transform our towns. By prioritising active travel, inclusive public spaces and the enhancement of heritage and cultural assets, this project aligns closely with the Council’s broader objectives for balanced rural and urban regeneration. I look forward to seeing these plans bring new life, vibrancy and opportunity to Carrickmacross Town.”