Town Centre First
The Town Centre First Policy provides a co-ordinated, whole-of-government policy framework to proactively address the decline in the health of towns across Ireland and support measures to regenerate and revitalise them. The Town Centre First policy aims to create town centres that function as viable, vibrant and attractive locations for people to live, work and visit, while also functioning as the service, social, cultural and recreational hub for the local community.
Key to Town Centre First are Town Teams comprised of local communities and local businesses who now have the opportunity to reimagine and shape the future of their town/ village. Each Town Team comprises of representatives of local residents, business people, community/ voluntary groups and other stakeholders who come together with the support of the Local Authority through a dedicated Town Regeneration Officer to develop a plan (Town Centre First Plan) and follow through with the all-important actions to make their area a better place to live, work and visit.
National Town Centre First Office
As part of the Town Centre First Initiative, a National Town Centre First Office, based in the LGMA and led by a National Town Centre First Coordinator has been established. The National Town Centre First Office will drive best practice implementation of policy actions and coordinate engagement with national stakeholders and the local government sector. The office supports and coordinates a network of the Town Regeneration Officers in 26 local authorities, who will bring a coordinated approach to the delivery of Town Centre First across the country and support local town teams.
A website has also been set up which provides details in respect of the overall Town Centre First Policy, as well as details in respect of the individual Town Centre First Plans that have been prepared to date.
Visit the Town Centre First website
Town Centre First - A Policy Approach Document is available below.
Download Town Centre First - A Policy Approach for Irish Towns
Carrick on Shannon Town Centre First Plan
In December 2021, Minister Humphreys announced €2.6m in funding for 26 towns to develop Town Centre First Plans. Carrick on Shannon was nominated by Leitrim County Council and approved by the Minister. The Carrick on Shannon Town Centre First Plan has now been completed under this pilot initiative.
Manorhamilton Town Team
Town Centre First Health Check
A comprehensive town centre health check for Manorhamilton was conducted by planning students from Queen's University on 23-24th May 2024. It provides a detailed analysis of Manorhamilton's current condition, encompassing the physical characteristics of the town centre and the perceptions of local residents. The health check aimed to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities within Manorhamilton, ultimately proposing some ideas to enhance its liveability, vibrancy and appearance.
The town centre health check methodology involved the creation of land use and vacancy maps, footfall and vehicle counts, parking surveys and analysis of Manorhamilton's public realm. These physical survey methods were supplemented by qualitative insights gathered through questionnaires and a consultation drop-in opportunities that utilised the Place Standard tool. The feedback obtained provided invaluable perspectives on the community's needs and aspirations.
Manorhamilton Town Centre First Plan
Funding has been secured by Leitrim County Council under the Town Centre First Suite of Supports 2024 under Measure 2: Town Centre First Plan from the Department of Rural and Community Development to prepare a Town Centre First Plan for Manorhamilton.
The Town Centre First Plan must be in line with the Town Centre First Policy and should adhere to and compliment national and local planning policy, as well as incorporating the ideas and aspirations that have been expressed through various recent reports prepared for the area and Manorhamilton town. The Town Centre First (TCF) policy is a major cross-government policy that aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction, and breathe new life into our town centres. It highlights the importance of making town centres attractive, viable and vibrant places to live, work, visit and invest. It supports “Our Rural Future”, Ireland’s rural development policy which is integral to our national economic, social, cultural and environmental well-being. It advocates for a holistic, place-based approach to sustainable rural development. The policy seeks to support towns of all sizes, recognising each town is unique and diverse and acknowledges that a “one size fits all” approach will not achieve sustainable and thriving communities. The following proposal brief sets out the service requirements, project context, project management and reporting requirements as well as tender response requirements to deliver a Town Centre First Plan for Manorhamilton.
Work begins on Manorhamilton Town Centre First Plan
Studio Myco have been procured by Leitrim County Council to develop and deliver a Town Centre First Plan for Manorhamilton. Members of Manorhamilton Town Team attend an inception meeting with Studio Myco and Leitrim County Council on 5th March 2025. This will be the second Town Centre First Plan for County Leitrim. Public consultation will take place over the coming months to assist in the preparation of the plan with details being circulated on socials closer to the time.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION - HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF MANORHAMILTON TOWN CENTRE
Your Town, Your Plan, Have Your Say!
A public online survey runs until 12th May and there will be a stall at the Manorhamilton Farmers Market on Friday 2nd May.
A plan to help make Manorhamilton town centre more viable, vibrant and attractive (a Town Centre First Plan) has been commissioned by Leitrim County Council, working in partnership with the Manorhamilton Town Team. As part of the process, the project team is inviting the views of local residents, organisations and businesses to help shape the plan.
An online community survey has now been launched and will run until Monday 12th May (survey link: http://bit.ly/3RenS30). The project team will also be setting up a stall on Friday 2nd May 10am - 2pm at the Manorhamilton Farmers Market, Bee Park Community Centre, where you can find out more about the project and share your ideas. The survey and event are open to anyone with an interest in the future of Manorhamilton.
The Plan for Manorhamilton is being developed as part of the national Town Centre First programme, which aims to create town centres that function as better places for people to live in, work in, and visit. It will reflect Manorhamilton’s unique heritage, character, challenges and opportunities. This will be the second Town Centre First Plan for County Leitrim.
Caitríona Bergin, Chairperson of Manorhamilton Town Team said “This Town Centre First Plan will provide a crucial basis for attracting funding and improving the town centre for local people and organisations, as well as visitors. We will be engaging a wide range of local stakeholders over the coming months and we encourage everyone to take part in these activities to make sure your voice is heard.”
To respond to the community survey, visit: http://bit.ly/3RenS30 before Monday 12th May or scan the QR code below:
Meet the project team at the Manorhamilton Farmers Market, Bee Park Community Centre on Friday 2nd May, 10am - 2pm.
To find out more about Town Centre First visit https://towncentrefirst.ie/
Ballinamore Town Team
The Department launched a new Town Centre First Suite of Supports in February 2024 that will provide an additional investment of €4.56 million for rural communities across Ireland.
The Suite of Supports will implement a series of measures for rural communities. Each measure is accompanied by its own eligibility criteria, thereby targeting a number of towns per county. These supports will ensure resources which are effectively allocated and provides clear support to local communities and town teams in leading the revitalisation of their towns and villages.
The new package of supports provides funding of up to €10,000 each for three towns to support the establishment and/or development of town teams where they are not already well established. Ballinamore, Kinlough and Dromahair were the towns nominated by Leitrim County Council.
Town Centre First Health Check
A comprehensive town centre health check for Ballinamore was conducted by planning students from Queen's University on 18-19th July 2024. It provides a detailed analysis of Ballinamore's current condition, encompassing the physical characteristics of the town centre and the perceptions of local residents. The health check aimed to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities within Ballinamore, ultimately proposing some ideas to enhance its liveability, vibrancy and appearance.
The town centre health check methodology involved the creation of land use and vacancy maps, footfall and vehicle counts, parking surveys and analysis of Ballinamore’s public realm. These physical survey methods were supplemented by qualitative insights gathered through questionnaires and a consultation drop-in opportunities that utilised the Place Standard tool in the Scout Hall on the afternoon of 18th and morning of 19th July. The feedback obtained provided invaluable perspectives on the community's needs and aspirations.
Town Team Members
A public meeting was held and information was provided by the Town Regeneration Officer outlining the role of Town Team which can make positive long-term changes for Ballinamore.
The TCF Town Team will work closely alongside the Town Regeneration Officer and the Council’s multi-disciplinary Regeneration team.
A core Town Team has now formed and training has been provided by the Town Regeneration Officer on the formalisation of the Town Team structure and operation. The Town Team members are listed in the table below:
Role | Member | Sector | |
Chairperson | Simon Power | Business/Tourism | |
Secretary | Michelle Reynolds | Business/PPN Rep | |
Minutes Secretary | Amanda O'Connell | Youth/Sport/PPN Rep | |
Treasurer | Sharon Sweeney | Elderly/Business | |
PRO | Sarah Garden | Arts/Music/Culture | |
Martina Mc Tiernan | Tourism/Heritage | ||
| Kathleen Kearns | Diversity/Social Inclusion/Education | |
Richard Van Hees | Ballinamore Greenway |
Contact Details: ballinamoretownteam@gmail.com
Ballinamore AGM
The AGM for Ballinamore Town Team took place on Wednesday, 12th March 2025. All sitting committee members were re-elected for the coming year.
There was a great turnout from the community, which was greatly appreciated and updates were provided by the Town Team. The Ballinamore Town Team newsletter was circulated with all, which is available to read here.
For updates on what's happening in Ballinamore, please visit www.ballinamore.ie
Kinlough Town Team
The Department launched a new Town Centre First Suite of Supports in February 2024 that will provide an additional investment of €4.56 million for rural communities across Ireland.
The Suite of Supports will implement a series of measures for rural communities. Each measure is accompanied by its own eligibility criteria, thereby targeting a number of towns per county. These supports will ensure resources which are effectively allocated and provides clear support to local communities and town teams in leading the revitalisation of their towns and villages.
The new package of supports provides funding of up to €10,000 each for three towns to support the establishment and/or development of town teams where they are not already well established. Ballinamore, Kinlough and Dromahair were the towns nominated by Leitrim County Council.
Town Centre First Health Check
A comprehensive town centre health check for Kinlough was conducted by planning students from Queen's University on 29-30th August 2024. It provides a detailed analysis of Kinlough's current condition, encompassing the physical characteristics of the town centre and the perceptions of local residents. The health check aimed to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities within Kinlough, ultimately proposing some ideas to enhance its liveability, vibrancy and appearance.
The town centre health check methodology involved the creation of land use and vacancy maps, footfall and vehicle counts, parking surveys and analysis of Kinlough’s public realm. These physical survey methods were supplemented by qualitative insights gathered through questionnaires and a consultation drop-in opportunities that utilised the Place Standard tool. The feedback obtained provided invaluable perspectives on the community's needs and aspirations.
A public meeting was held and information was provided by the Town Regeneration Officer outlining the role of Town Team which can make positive long-term changes for Kinlough.
The TCF Town Team will work closely alongside the Town Regeneration Officer and the Council’s multi-disciplinary Regeneration team.
A core Town Team has now formed and training has been provided by the Town Regeneration Officer on the formalisation of the Town Team structure and operation. The Town Team executive is listed in the table below:
Role | Member | Sector |
Chairperson | John Campbell | Vacancy & Dereliction |
Vice-Chairperson | Micéal McGinty | Community, Sports & Recreation |
Secretary | Roseanne Rooney | Economic Development & Tourism |
Vice-Secretary | Michelle Brennan Shaybo | Public Spaces & Streetscapes |
Treasurer | Oonagh Kavanagh | Natural Environment & Biodiversity |
PRO | Breffni Gorman | Economic Development & Tourism |
Contact Details: to follow
Dromahair Town Team
The Department launched a new Town Centre First Suite of Supports in February 2024 that will provide an additional investment of €4.56 million for rural communities across Ireland.
The Suite of Supports will implement a series of measures for rural communities. Each measure is accompanied by its own eligibility criteria, thereby targeting a number of towns per county. These supports will ensure resources which are effectively allocated and provides clear support to local communities and town teams in leading the revitalisation of their towns and villages.
The new package of supports provides funding of up to €10,000 each for three towns to support the establishment and/or development of town teams where they are not already well established. Ballinamore, Kinlough and Dromahair were the towns nominated by Leitrim County Council.
Town Centre First Health Check
A comprehensive town centre health check for Dromahair was conducted by planning students from Queen's University on 29-30th August 2024. It provides a detailed analysis of Dromahair's current condition, encompassing the physical characteristics of the town centre and the perceptions of local residents. The health check aimed to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities within Dromahair, ultimately proposing some ideas to enhance its liveability, vibrancy and appearance.
The town centre health check methodology involved the creation of land use and vacancy maps, footfall and vehicle counts, parking surveys and analysis of Dromahair’s public realm. These physical survey methods were supplemented by qualitative insights gathered through questionnaires and a consultation drop-in opportunities that utilised the Place Standard tool. The feedback obtained provided invaluable perspectives on the community's needs and aspirations.
A public meeting was held and information was provided by the Town Regeneration Officer outlining the role of Town Team which can make positive long-term changes for Dromahair.
Expressions of Interest were sought from interested members of the community to take part in the TCF Town Team. This Town Team will work closely alongside the Town Regeneration Officer and the Council’s multi-disciplinary Regeneration team.
A core Town Team is now being formed and training is being provided by the Town Regeneration Officer on the formalisation of the Town Team structure and operation.
Mohill Town Team
In 2019 the Mohill Economic Plan was developed for the town. Widespread consultation took place across community, residents, businesses and other stakeholders.
The Mohill Plan is a community-driven strategy to revitalise Mohill as a smart, green, and thriving rural town.
It focuses on jobs, heritage, energy, and town renewal to create a vibrant, people-friendly future.
Rooted in local pride and action, the plan invites everyone to help shape Mohill’s next chapter.
Click the link below for the Mohill Town Plan:
The-Mohill-Plan-FINAL-(Low-Res)-April-2019-final.pdf (size 3 MB)
THRIVE Carrick on Shannon
Town Regeneration Officer
Ms Johanna Daly, Town Regeneration Officer
Leitrim County Council,
Áras An Chontae
St. Georges Terrace,
Carrick on Shannon,
Co Leitrim,
N41 PF67
Email tcf@leitrimcoco.ie
