Durrow has gained a major new community asset with the official opening of DARÚ HQ, a modern community enterprise hub created through the regeneration of historic buildings in County Laois. The project highlights how gov.ie rural development funding can support remote working, culture, enterprise and community life outside Ireland’s largest cities.
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary officially opened the facility on 16 September 2026. The project received more than €1.9 million through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF).
DARÚ HQ brings new life to historic Durrow buildings
The Durrow Community Enterprise Hub combines the restoration of a former Methodist Chapel and ICA hall on Patrick Street with a new two-storey extension. The result is a flexible space designed to serve residents, local organisations, entrepreneurs, performers and remote workers.
Facilities include:
- A stage for events, performances and community gatherings
- A large partitionable open area for multiple activities
- Offices, meeting rooms and bookable remote-working desks
- A kitchen, restroom and dedicated space for classes and cultural programmes
- Improved outdoor amenities, including electric vehicle charging and age-friendly seating
Remote-working facilities can be booked through the connectedhubs.ie platform, helping rural professionals access high-quality workspace closer to home.
Minister Calleary said the development preserves an important local landmark while providing infrastructure suited to the modern workforce and community. He described Durrow as an example of how RRDF investment can tackle vacancy and dereliction while supporting sustainable town regeneration.
Supporting Ireland’s rural towns
The investment forms part of Our Rural Future, the Government’s whole-of-government policy for rural Ireland. The policy focuses on revitalising towns and villages, strengthening local economies and ensuring rural communities can benefit from improved social, economic and digital infrastructure.
New Town and Village Renewal funding announced
During the visit, the Minister also announced a new 2026 Call for Proposals under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. Local authorities and communities can apply through two funding streams: the Main Scheme and the Project Development Measure.
Funding of up to €500,000 is available per project. The Minister encouraged local authorities to work closely with communities on ambitious proposals capable of delivering lasting improvements.
Durrow cycling trail and Laois outdoor recreation plan launched
Earlier in the visit, Minister Calleary opened the Durrow Community Cycling Trail. Department funding of €492,750 through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme supported upgraded walking and cycling infrastructure, including 10 kilometres of accessible trails.
The trail investment strengthens Durrow’s position as an outdoor recreation destination and complements the launch of the County Laois Outdoor Recreation Plan. Developed by the Laois County Outdoor Recreation Committee after consultation with stakeholders, the plan provides a county-wide framework for future walking, cycling and outdoor activity projects.
The plan covers opportunities linked to the Slieve Bloom mountains, forests, peatlands and existing recreation routes. Its objectives include improving access, supporting sustainable development and promoting the health and wellbeing benefits of physical activity.
What the investment means for County Laois
The DARÚ HQ opening brings together several priorities in Ireland’s rural development agenda: heritage protection, enterprise support, remote working, cultural participation and outdoor recreation. It also reflects the collaborative role of local authorities, community groups and Government departments in delivering place-based projects.
Through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, more than €2.6 million has been awarded to County Laois for 48 projects since 2020. The national outdoor recreation strategy, Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, is co-led by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and Sport Ireland and seeks to expand participation while delivering social, health and economic benefits.
Conclusion
DARÚ HQ is more than a renovated heritage building: it is a practical platform for enterprise, learning, culture and community connection. Alongside the cycling trail and County Laois Outdoor Recreation Plan, the project shows how targeted gov.ie investment can help rural towns create sustainable opportunities for residents and visitors.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
