BREAKING: Almost €1-million for Roscrea's 'regeneration' announced

Roscrea is included in new government rural regeneration plans announced today, which sees almost €1-million secured for the renewal of the heritage town. 

€971,204 has been announced for the regeneration of Roscrea which will see the creation of a new multi-use community facility at former Walsh Printers site in the town centre, as well as enhancements to Main Street and renewing the three pedestrian laneways from Main Street to Gantly Road and the Lourdes Road carparks. 

The multi-million-euro investment will bring ambitious rural regeneration and economic development projects to full readiness, says Tipperary Independent TD, Deputy Michael Lowry.

He said the plans include a strong focus on heritage, tourism and enterprise projects to increase economic activity.

The plans will combat dereliction, increase the vibrancy of our towns and villages. Projects will include the transformation of heritage buildings, former cinemas, courthouses and vacant buildings into creative studios, visitor centres, museums, libraries and community spaces.

The funding, under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF), is being invested in projects that will rejuvenate town centres, drive economic growth, increase town footfall, combat dereliction, develop pedestrian zones and boost tourism in rural Ireland. 

Examples of other projects which have received funding approval include €1,000,000 to develop Rosslare Sustainable Tourism Experience; €870,000 for the ‘Swinford Urban Realm Project’ to facilitate development of a new public space for town markets and local festivals; €772,000 to develop a conservation management plan and business case to refurbish ‘The Old Steam Mill’ in Skibbereen as a famine story and exhibition centre and €558,000 to for ‘Rosses Point Community Boat Park’ in Sligo to help develop Sligo’s tourism, recreational and maritime industries.

This €1 billion Fund was established under Project Ireland 2040 to deliver the targeted investment necessary to ensure that rural Ireland continues to grow and prosper and deliver on balanced regional growth that is in everyone’s interests.” 

The projects being invested in today represent the huge ambition that underpins ‘Our Rural Future’ and will have a truly transformational impact right across the country.

When complete, these projects will leave a lasting difference on these locations for generations to come, benefitting tens of thousands of families in Rural Ireland.

There is a phenomenal level of interest in the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, with applications of an excellent standard, and I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all those who were successful.  

For those who have been unsuccessful, the Department will provide feedback to enable them to prepare for the next call.

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The successful projects announced today are for RRDF Category 2 Projects. 

‘Category 2’ RRDF projects are intended to provide funding to allow Project Leads undertake and complete the initial planning, design and technical works required to of any large-scale project.  This sees potential, large-scale RRDF projects developed to a stage allowing for greater certainty regarding scope, cost, and delivery timelines to apply for further funding under a ‘Category 1’ RRDF application.