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From:Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, today (Wednesday, 16 September 2026) officially opened ‘DARÚ HQ’ – the Durrow Community Enterprise Hub in County Laois.

Supported with over €1.9 million of investment under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), the state-of-the-art facility transforms the historical former Methodist Chapel and ICA hall on Patrick Street into a multi-use community, remote working, and learning hub.

The new facility consists of a full refurbishment of the original heritage building along with a new two-story extension. The centre comprises a stage for events and performances and a large partitionable open space allowing the hosting of several events at once. It also includes separate offices and meeting rooms with desk spaces available for remote working that can be booked on the connectedhubs.ie platform. The centre includes a kitchen, restroom as well as a standalone space for local classes and culture programs an upgraded outdoor amenities featuring EV charging and age friendly seating.

The investment forms part of the government rural development policy Our Rural Future which seeks to revitalize rural towns and villages, combat vacancy and dereliction and create vibrant sustainable local economies.

“It is a great privilege to be here with you this evening to officially open DARÚ HQ - Durrow Community Enterprise Hub, this transformative space brings new life into a historical local landmark the former Methodist Chapel and ICA Hall maintaining the heritage while delivering facilities for the modern workforce and community.

“Durrow is a perfect example of how the investment from the RRDF can support the sustainable development and regeneration of a town. This strategic investment provided through my department’s rural regeneration funds are revitalizing our rural towns and villages, not only addressing vacancy and dereliction, but providing the essential infrastructure needed by rural communities.”

The Minister also took the opportunity to confirm the launch of a new Call for Proposals under the 2026 Town and Village Renewal Scheme. Two funding streams are available under this Call: the Main Scheme and the Project Development Measure with funding of up to €500,000 per project available.

“The Town and Village Renewal Scheme continues to have a hugely positive impact in Ireland’s rural towns and villages and this investment will further strengthen this work.

“I am strongly encouraging local authorities to work closely with communities to put forward projects that are ambitious and will make a positive difference.”

Earlier on his visit to Durrow, Minister Calleary officially opened the Durrow Community Cycling Trail. Under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), €492,750 of Department funding supported the development of cycling and walking trail infrastructure, including 10km of upgraded trails which are inclusive and accessible and strengthening Durrow's position as a premier outdoor recreation destination.

Also, during the visit to Durrow Community Cycling Trail, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, also launched the County Laois Outdoor Recreation Plan.

The County Laois Outdoor Recreation Plan was developed by the Laois County Outdoor Recreation Committee following consultation with key outdoor recreation stakeholders across the county.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Calleary said:

"I was delighted to provide funding through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to support the development of the County Laois Outdoor Recreation Plan. This plan provides a coordinated, county-wide framework to guide the future development of outdoor recreation throughout Laois.

“Laois is a county with enormous outdoor recreation potential. From the Slieve Bloom mountains, forests and peatlands to its rich network of walking and cycling routes, Laois provides excellent opportunities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy the outdoors. This plan will help build on these strengths in a sustainable way, making outdoor recreation more accessible so that communities across the county can enjoy the many health and wellbeing benefits associated with spending time outdoors and being physically active.

“I want to commend the work of the Laois Outdoor Recreation Committee in engaging with stakeholders across the county to develop this plan for the people of Laois. Without their collaboration, dedication and commitment, this important plan would not have been possible.”

Our Rural Future is the whole-of-government policy for rural Ireland and it represents a new milestone in the approach to rural development policy for Ireland and adopts a more strategic, ambitious and holistic approach to investing in and maximising opportunities for rural areas.

Embracing Ireland's Outdoors: National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors was launched in November 2022. The strategy was developed in collaboration with Comhairle na Tuaithe and is a collaborative cross-Government, stakeholder-led strategy.

The strategy will lead, guide and facilitate the sustainable development and management of the outdoor recreation sector for the next five years. It also aims to increase participation, to realise social, health and economic benefits. It contains 95 key actions to be delivered by a range of stakeholders over the 5-year period. The delivery of the strategy is being co-led by DRCDG and Sport Ireland.

For more information on the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027, seehere.

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure. It also provides support for the necessary repair, maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas across Ireland. Since 2020, funding in excess of €2.6 million has been awarded to Co. Laois for 48 Projects.