Whopping €1.2m in grant aid for Offaly towns and villages

GRANT aid to the tune of €1.2 million to tackle dereliction and vacancy in towns and villages across Offaly has been announced by the Government.

The funding, under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, includes €500,000 for the continued refurbishment of Fiesta Hall in Kilcormac, €250,000 for the development of a plaza at Market Square in Birr, €250,000 for the  refurbishment and repurposing of the old library in Shinrone, €100,000 for Clara Streetscape Enhancement, €50,000 for a design proposal for the restoration of Daingean Town Hall and €50,000 for a design proposal for the refurbishment of a derelict property into a community hub in Moneygall.

Jun9or Minister Pippa Hackett said: “I’m proud to be part of a Government that is making the largest ever investment into our towns and villages.

“This funding will go a long way in tackling dereliction and vacancy, enhancing our streetscapes, creating town centre plazas and the upgrade of town parks and sporting facilities.

“This funding is another cog in the wheel of this Government’s rural development policy ‘Our Rural Future’ – bringing life and vibrancy into towns and villages and making them better places to live, work and raise a family.”

The announcement represents the largest ever investment under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and will see a range of landmark projects delivered across Rural Ireland.

The major package announced by Minister Heather Humphreys comprises four Strands:

€17 million investment in 75 Town and Village Projects nationwide;

€6 million in funding to purchase and re-develop vacant and derelict buildings and convert them into community facilities;

€2.6 million to upgrade the shopfronts and building facades in 26 towns under the Streetscape Enhancement Initiative;

€1.56 million for planning and design works on a range of projects that are at an early stage of development

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said the funding was “about taking old buildings and giving them a new lease of life.

“And it’s about rejuvenating the centre of our towns by developing public plazas, town parks, community gardens and sports facilities for the benefit of local families.

“This investment will breathe new life into rural towns and villages across every single county.

“It’s the largest ever investment under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and demonstrates my passion and ambition for our rural communities.