More Than €20m To Be Invested In Renewing Rural Towns/Villages

More than €20 million is being invested to help renew over 280 towns and villages across rural Ireland.

The 2017 Town and Village Renewal Scheme, which was launched in April this year, focuses on projects which can help to enhance and develop rural towns and villages, with a particular emphasis on stimulating economic development.

Funding generally ranges from €20,000 to €100,000, with 50 projects receiving between €100,000 and €200,000 for more ambitious proposals.

The €21.6m allocation by the Department of Rural and Community Development follows the roll out earlier this year of a range of other initiatives to support rural Ireland, including the CLÁR scheme, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure scheme and the Local Improvement Scheme.

Announcing the funding at the newly refurbished Butter Market in Granard, Co. Longford today, 04 October, the Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring said the scheme is an important part of the Department's work to "rejuvenate and revitalise rural Ireland".

"Following on from the success of the 2016 scheme, I am delighted to be able to allocate €21.6 million for projects in 281 towns and villages right across rural Ireland," he said.

"This allocation more than doubles the €10 million allocated to the Town and Village Renewal Scheme last year. This is a clear indication of the Government's commitment to making rural Ireland a more vibrant and sustainable place to live. This funding will be put to good use over the coming twelve months for the benefit of the people who live in rural Ireland."

(LM)