Callan town centre to get a makeover

CALLAN is one of six towns across the country that have been selected for a new national scheme to encourage more people to live in rural town centres. The Co Kilkenny town, along with Cappoquin in Co Waterford, Boyle in Roscommon, Ballinrobe in Mayo, Banagher in Offaly and Castleblaney in Monaghan have received funding of €100,000 through the Town and Village Pilot Residential Occupancy Scheme.

Minister of State John Paul Phelan said: “Callan, like other hubs outside of our cities and towns, suffered during the economic downturn. But it has fought hard, it is a can-do, inclusive community and this is great news for the area. Our towns and villages are at the heart of our rural communities and should be places where people can live and raise their families in a high-quality environment.

He added: “This Pilot scheme will encourage Callan and the five other rural towns to come up with solutions to the challenges they face and to exploit the potential they have, all with a view to encouraging people to move back in to them.”