Clara
Population: 3,403 (2022 Census)
Clara is located within the northwest area of County Offaly and is situated on the River Brosna. As recorded by the 2016 Census, the town had a population of 3,336 persons. Clara has a strategic location within the Midlands with proximity to the settlements of Athlone to the northwest and Tullamore to the southeast which are designated as a ‘Regional Growth Centre’ and ‘Key Town’ respectively within the Eastern and Midland Region Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy.
Plans & Publications
Clara is situated on a plain which provides the origin its meaning in Irish, being ‘Clóirtheach’. Of significance is the Clara Bog Nature Reserve which is renowned ecologically having been previously nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
The town has a rich industrial history which is largely associated with the Goodbody family who moved to Clara in 1825. Though the textile industry in Clara preceded the Goodbody era. The family introduced industry to Clara on an industrial level cementing a long association between Clara and the textiles sector, leading to the development of the country’s largest jute factory. Today, the town continues to provide important services and employment functions for its residents and the wider hinterland areas.
This Town Centre First Plan for Clara is a people focused plan based upon an extensive collaborative process between the Clara Town Team, the broader Community, the Town Regeneration Officer for Offaly, and Offaly County Council. The goal of the plan is to ensure a better quality of life for all through the delivery of an attractive, sustainable, vibrant, and prosperous Town Centre. The Town Centre First Plan for Clara is a long-term strategy providing a cohesive and planned approach for future development with the aim of generating economic, social, cultural, and environmental opportunities that will create a Town Centre that can be enjoyed and cherished by all.