Clare County Council has acquired the long-derelict Killaloe Courthouse and is now exploring the best ways to repurpose and transform the building and its grounds.

As a Protected Structure located in the heritage town centre of Killaloe, the courthouse offers a significant opportunity to improve the area, enhance its use and increase footfall and activity in this part of the town centre.

The building was identified by Clare County Council as an Opportunity Site in the Killaloe-Ballina Town Enhancement and Mobility Strategy. In elaborating on the potential for the re-use of the Courthouse and lands, the Strategy indicated that a feasibility study on the re-use of the building was required. There is a necessity to bring the Courthouse back to a viable and economically sustainable use.

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Brian McCarthy, Senior Planner and Killaloe Municipal District Co-ordinator, Clare County Council, said: "The Killaloe-Ballina Town Enhancement and Mobility Strategy provides a unique opportunity to revitalise Killaloe by re-imagining public spaces and connecting key landmarks. Clare County Council wants the local community to help shape the future of Killaloe and to contribute on the best and most sustainable use of Killaloe Courthouse, a key heritage site in our town, going forward. I would encourage everyone to come to the consultation event at the Courthouse, held this Wednesday and Thursday to coincide with National Heritage Week, and have your say."

Hosted by Killaloe MD and Hourigan Drake Architects, the events on Wednesday and Thursday aim to invite the public to the disused Courthouse and gather opinions on its future use. The public is encouraged to visit Killaloe Courthouse on Wednesday 21 August, from 2pm to 4pm or on Thursday 22 August, from 6pm to 8pm, to share their views on the best way to repurpose the building.