Pictures LCC: L-R: David Conway, Chief Executive, Louth County Council; Bryan Brady, Director of Cooney Architects; Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council; and Cllr Jim Tenanty, Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Ardee, pictured at the contract signing for the Dunleer, Energising the Community Project.
Dunleer regeneration project plans have taken another step forward after Louth County Council appointed Cooney Architects to deliver design services.
The public realm project will focus on two key areas of the town, Main Street and the area surrounding the former railway station and library buildings.
The design work will develop plans to allow the project to progress towards the planning stage.
The project is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund supports projects aimed at regenerating rural towns and villages, strengthening local economies, improving public spaces and services, and creating a more vibrant and sustainable communities.
Building on Dunleer Town Centre First Plan
Louth County Council launched the Dunleer Town Centre First Plan in May 2024, setting out a long-term vision for the sustainable regeneration and enhancement of the town centre.
It was the first Town Centre First Plan completed in County Louth and is being delivered in phases.
The Dunleer Energising the Community Project forms part of that plan and includes a number of actions identified through the Town Centre First process.
Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, welcomed the appointment of the design team.
The Town Centre First approach is helping to create vibrant and sustainable communities across County Louth, she said.
This project is an important step in delivering the vision for Dunleer while demonstrating how investment in our towns can improve quality of life, support local businesses, and strengthen communities throughout the county.
Focus on Main Street and former railway station area
Cllr Jim Tenanty, Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Ardee, described the appointment as an important milestone.
The regeneration of the Main Street and the area around the former railway station and library buildings will create attractive and welcoming public spaces, support local cultural and economic activity, and enhance Dunleer as a place to live, work, and visit.
Louth County Council Chief Executive David Conway said the appointment represented another step towards delivering the Town Centre First Plan.
The appointment of Cooney Architects is a significant step forward in turning the Dunleer Town Centre First Plan into reality, he said.
This project reflects Louth County Council’s ambition to invest in high-quality regeneration that strengthens our towns and villages, supports sustainable growth and improves the experience of residents, businesses and visitors.
We look forward to working with the community and stakeholders as the design process progresses.
Public consultation planned
Bryan Brady, Director of Cooney Architects, said: We are delighted to be working with Louth County Council on the Dunleer Energising the Community Project.
The project presents an exciting opportunity to build on the strong vision developed through the Town Centre First Plan and to create design proposals that will enhance the heart of Dunleer while respecting its unique character and heritage.
We look forward to engaging with the local community and stakeholders throughout the design process and helping to deliver a project that will provide lasting benefits for the town
The design process will begin immediately and will include public consultation, building on the community engagement undertaken during the preparation of the Town Centre First Plan.
Following completion of the design stage, the project is expected to progress to the formal Part 8 planning process by 2028.
