Cllr. Bobby O’Connell, Cllr. Charlie Farrelly, Cllr. Jackie Healy Rae, Cllr. Fionnán Fitzgerald and the busiest Minister for Education ever, Norma Foley TD all sent messages of welcome for today’s announcement by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD of grant funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
The messages came in the order above and proving again that the ancient and associated practices of ground hurling and hard pulling are alive and well in the political parish.
In Castleisland’s case the €96,300 granted is intended for the implementation of phase one of an ‘Urban Connectivity’ project and study to develop proposals for the vacant and derelict properties in the town.
Responding to Challenges
The total funding of over €15.4 million announced by Minister Humphreys today, will assist towns and villages to implement measures that can help them to respond to the challenges associated with COVID-19.
It is intended to benefit 147 towns and villages and will fund a wide and diverse range of projects nationwide including: walkways, community parks, outdoor cinemas, cycle-ways as well as the regeneration of derelict buildings and enhancement works at tourism attractions and other important local amenities.
Conversion of Vacant Buildings
Funding has also been provided for the development of a number of remote working facilities in rural towns and villages.
Successful projects will see the renovation and conversion of vacant buildings into digital hubs as well as adaptions to local community centres to provide for remote working and eLearning facilities.
Part of the Fabric of our Lives
Announcing the successful projects today, Minister Humphreys said that our rural towns and villages are a vital part of the fabric of our lives.
“The past year has shown us, more than ever, how much we rely on our local communities and has rekindled our sense of pride in where we live.
“The funding I am announcing today is about helping communities get back on their feet and adapt to the ongoing challenges Covid-19 presents – it will help make our towns and villages safer places to live, work and do business.
Importance of Outdoor Activity
“The pandemic has made us all appreciate the importance of getting outdoors for a little exercise and fresh air.
I am delighted that a wide range of projects being funded today will support the development of recreational amenities such as walkways, cycle-ways, dog parks, community parks, playgrounds and more.
“There is also significant investment to regenerate old buildings and enhancement works at areas of natural beauty – helping make our towns and villages more attractive places to visit and enjoy,”
About the Scheme
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and administered through the local authorities, in consultation with local communities.
If you’d like to take a more in-depth look at Minister Humphreys’ announcement you can do just that with a click on the link here: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/20b3c-minister-humphreys-announces-over-154-million-in-funding-for-147-rural-towns-and-villages/
You can contact The Maine Valley Post on…Anyone in The Maine Valley Post catchment area who would like to send us news and captioned photographs for inclusion can send them to: jreidy@mainevalleypost.com
Queries about advertising and any other matters regarding The Maine Valley Post can also be sent to that address or just ring: 087 23 59 467.
