Call for increased funding for town renewal in Offaly

Fianna Fáil TD Barry Cowen says the confirmation that €380,000 will be provided for renewal of towns in Offaly is a positive development, but says further funding will be needed in the months ahead.

Deputy Cowen made the comments after it was confirmed that Clara, Edenderry, Kinnity and Shannonbridge will benefit from the funding allocation.

“This is a welcome development. Fianna Fáil has been highlighting that we need a robust scheme to help revitalise towns and villages right across Ireland. We have made this a priority in recent months and we are starting to see funding come on steam for town and village renewal works,” said Deputy Cowen.

Deputy Cowen stated  it must be acknowledged that the funding provided to date is a relatively small sum of money, and will only go so far in helping revitalise Offaly’s  towns and villages. He said this cannot be a once off investment and  the Government  needed  to bring forward a credible programme of funding for the months ahead to ensure renewal works stay on track.

“In particular the Government needs to provide funding for housing construction in areas where people are finding it difficult to find suitable accommodation. The funding provided for town and village renewal to date simply does not address the housing crisis. This needs to change and it is something which Fianna Fáil will be focusing on in the months ahead,” remarked the Offaly TD.

“I want to acknowledge the hard work of Offaly County Council and local councillors in securing this investment. I understand contact will be made with the relevant steering groups in the coming days to determine the priorities for future investment. 

“This is a welcome development, but much more investment will be required in the future. Let no one think that the investment provided to date will solve all of the problems in our towns and villages,” concluded Deputy Cowen.