Local Minister Denis Naughten encourages communities and Roscommon and Galway Councils to work closely on applications
Local Minister Denis Naughten is pleased to confirm that €15 million in Government funding will be available for rural towns and villages across Ireland through the 2018 Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
Over the next 15 months up to 200 towns and villages throughout the country including areas in Roscommon and Galway, will benefit from funding announced this morning by Minister for Rural Development Michael Ring.
“In 2017 five projects in County Roscommon were awarded funding under the Scheme in Elphin, Castlerea and Ballyforan and this funding provided a much needed boost. The 2018 funding will again be made available through Local Authorities to support rural regeneration and the Scheme is specifically targeted at rural towns and villages with populations of less than 10,000. This investment in communities will support local job creation and provide a much needed boost to the economy of the towns and villages,” confirmed Minister Naughten.
“The towns and villages of rural Ireland are the heart and soul of our rural communities and it is vital that these towns receive Government support and focus as I looked for on entering Government,” stated Naughten.
“The scheme will be administered in Roscommon through Roscommon County Council and Galway County Council in Galway. Local Authorities will be required to work closely with local businesses and communities to develop ideas that can make a real and sustainable impact in revitalising rural towns and villages across the country,” added Naughten.
“The final project selection will be made in July by the Department of Rural and Community Development. Successful projects will be expected to start by year-end and can run throughout 2019. Minister Ring’s Department will write to Roscommon and Galway County Councils and all Local Authorities with details regarding the scheme.
“Today’s funding builds on the success of the Government’s Town and Village Renewal Scheme over the last two years, which has already seen over €30 million awarded to over 450 projects across Ireland. This year’s scheme will focus on measures which have a clear economic impact on rural towns and villages.”
ENDS