Delight as Milford named in government’s new Vacant to Vibrant initiative
Cllr Declan Meehan says the ‘challenge now is to build on that success and turn this latest opportunity into real improvements, new businesses and renewed activity on our main street’
Independent Councillor for the Milford Electoral Area, Declan Meehan, has welcomed the inclusion of Milford among 26 towns selected for the Government’s new Vacant to Vibrant initiative, aimed at tackling vacant commercial premises and breathing new life into town centres.
The initiative, announced by Minister of State for Retail Alan Dillon, will see local authorities, Local Enterprise Offices and regeneration officers work together to identify opportunities to bring vacant shopfronts back into productive use and support the establishment of new businesses.
Welcoming the announcement, Cllr Meehan said: "This is very welcome news for Milford and an important recognition of the potential that exists within our town centre. Like many rural towns, Milford has faced challenges with vacant commercial premises, and we need to be proactive in finding ways to bring these properties back into use.
“Vacant shopfronts represent more than just empty buildings. They are missed opportunities for local employment, enterprise, services and activity on our main street. Every premises that can be brought back into use has the potential to contribute to a more vibrant and attractive town centre.
“Milford has already demonstrated what can be achieved when targeted investment is made in our town centre. Back in 2022, I spearheaded the Streetscape Enhancement Initiative in Milford, which saw 20 buildings receive funding to improve their shopfronts, business premises and properties. This initiative had a hugely positive impact on the appearance and overall attractiveness of the town, and demonstrated the willingness of local businesses and property owners to invest in Milford when the right supports are made available.
“I would like to see the Vacant to Vibrant initiative build on the success of that earlier programme. We know that investment in our streetscape can make a real difference, and this new initiative provides another opportunity to address vacancy, encourage enterprise and improve the overall appearance of our town."
Cllr Meehan said that the initiative should be viewed as part of a wider effort to revitalise Milford and build on the work already undertaken through the Town Centre First process.
"Milford has already been recognised as a Town Centre First town, and we have an opportunity to build on that work,” he added. “There has been considerable discussion and planning around the future of our town, and we need to ensure that this translates into tangible improvements on the ground.
“We have seen encouraging developments and proposals for Milford in recent years, but tackling vacancy and dereliction must remain a priority. A thriving town centre needs a mixture of businesses, services, community facilities and opportunities for people to live and work locally.
“I look forward to seeing the details of how this initiative will be rolled out and will be encouraging Donegal County Council to work closely with local businesses, property owners and prospective entrepreneurs to maximise the opportunities for Milford.
“Being included among the 26 towns is a positive step. We have already seen the difference that targeted investment can make to Milford through the Streetscape Enhancement Initiative. The challenge now is to build on that success and turn this latest opportunity into real improvements, new businesses and renewed activity on our main street."
The 26 towns are Tullow (Co Carlow); Bailieborough (Co Cavan); Sixmilebridge (Co Clare); Skibbereen (Co Cork); Milford (Co Donegal); Lusk (Co Dublin / Fingal); Gort (Co Galway); Milltown (Co Kerry); Clane (Co Kildare); Urlingford (Co Kilkenny); Rathdowney (Co Laois); Carrick-on-Shannon (Co Leitrim); Abbeyfeale (Co Limerick); Longford Town (Co Longford); Dunleer (Co Louth); Killala (Co Mayo); Enfield (Co Meath); Carrickmacross (Co Monaghan); Clara (Co Offaly); Strokestown (Co Roscommon); Tubbercurry (Co Sligo); Roscrea (Co Tipperary); Portlaw (Co Waterford); Moate (Co Westmeath); New Ross (Co Wexford) and Blessington (Co Wicklow).