'Tough decisions will have to be made,' warning over funding for Duckett's Grove strategy
The matter came up at a recent Municipal District meeting
"Tough decisions will have to be made," said Director of Services, Michael Brennan, over funding a strategy on the development of Duckett's Grove.
The matter came up at a recent meeting of Carlow Municipal District when Council management were asked about the timeline for remedial works at the Tea Rooms on the historical site.
Mr Brennan said a strategy on the future of Duckett's Grove is being finalised and it is now a matter of bringing it before members.
"Tough decisions will have to be made," he warned after the Council unsuccessfully applied for funding for Duckett's Grove under the Rural Regeneration Fund but there are plans to apply again.
Funding of €64,000 has been secured on new signage and an audio headset in five languages for visitors.
Cllr Andrea Dalton said developing the strategy on the future of Duckett's Grove "seems to be going on forever" and members are getting "nothing concrete which is a bit frustrating for them and members of the public".
Mr Brennan said: "It's a ten-year strategy and we need to get it right and it's dependent on a stream of funding becoming available."
Cllr Fintan Phelan urged the local authority not to "drop the ball on Duckett's Grove".
Fine Gael's Cllr Fergal Browne asked for a presentation to be made on the strategy at the next full meeting of the Council "then at least we will be in a position to make a decision in June, July and August".
The Tea Rooms are currently closed at Duckett's Grove as they await remedial works to be carried out and Cllr Browne added: "People want a cup of tea/coffee out there now, don't use the masterplan as an excuse to delay that."
Cllr John Cassin asked about how much the strategy cost but Mr Brennan didn't have that figure with him but he promised to provide it to Cllr Cassin.