The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys is today being joined by the Minister of State for Regional Economic Development, Michael Ring to announce €20 million in funding for rural towns and villages as part of the Action Plan for Rural Development.
Up to 300 towns and villages will benefit from funding under the 2017 Town and Village Renewal Scheme which will be made available through Local Authorities over the next 15 months to support rural regeneration.
The scheme is specifically targeted at rural towns and villages with populations of less than 10,000. Applications from towns can range from €20,000 to a maximum of €100,000. Funding of up to €200,000 will also be considered for a limited number of projects which can deliver exceptionally strong economic benefit to a town and its outlying areas.
The Ministers made the announcement at an event in the Tuar Ard Arts Centre, Moate, Co. Westmeath.
Speaking today, Minister Humphreys said, "Following on from the success of the 2016 scheme, I am allocating €20 million for an enhanced programme this year which will benefit up to 300 towns and villages right across Ireland. This year’s scheme will place an emphasis on measures which have a clear economic impact on rural towns and villages."
She added, "Some funding will also be available for art works in public spaces which reflect the culture of a town or region and involve participation by local artists, which was a commitment under the Action Plan for Rural Development."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
