Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys today announced over €15.4 million under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. The funding aims to assist towns and villages to implement measures that can help them to respond to the challenges associated with COVID-19.
The funding will benefit 147 towns and villages and will fund a wide and diverse range of projects nationwide including walkways, community parks, outdoor cinemas, cycleways as well as the regeneration of derelict buildings and enhancement works at tourism attractions and other important local amenities.
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.
Announcing the successful projects today, Minister Humphreys said, "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."
She added, "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, cycleways, dog parks, community parks, playgrounds and more."
Examples of projects include:
· Stradbally, Co Waterford: €88,615 – The development of a biodiversity park, including natural paving, seating, bespoke bike stands and interpretative wildlife signage
· Ballinalee, Co Longford: €97,451 – The development an autism friendly community park with enhancments to playground facilities and the provision of a walking/cycling track
· Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim: €200,000 - The creation of a town centre community venue with capacity to host community and charity events including festivals, fun runs and cycles in line with public health guidelines
· Bailieborough, Co. Cavan: €100,000 – The development of an education facility, nature reserve, public amenity and recreation space at Bailieborough Lake, Co Cavan
· Lecarrow, Co Roscommon: €100,000 - Village enhancement, including the provision of a footpath from the marina to the village centre; provision of outdoor benches, picnic tables and public lighting.
Source: www.businessworld.ie
