Four lucky communities share €636k in funding to improve local amenities

Four Meath communities have been awarded more than €636,000 in funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme to improve and enhance amenities in the area.

Drumconrath, Kilcloon, Longwood and Trim will share in €636,200 to be allocated to their respective projects.

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, last week announced over €27 million in funding that will combat dereliction and breathe new life into rural towns and villages nationwide.

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 Humphreys comprises four Strands including €17 million investment in 75 Town and Village Projects nationwide.

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

- €2.6m to upgrade the shopfronts and building façades in 26 towns under the Street-scape Enhancement Measure.

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

Kilcloon is to receive €250,000 to build a new community centre on a green field site in the village of Kilcloon. The Kilcloon Community Centre will be a multi-purpose complex with meeting rooms, large hall, and a reception area with a coffee nook.

Longwood is to get €216,000 for the provision of a playground in the grounds of Longwood GAA and extension of the existing footpath to provide direct access to the amenity.

Trim has been awarded €100,000 under the Street-scape Enhancement Measure.

Under the initiative, retailers and property owners will be provided with grants that they can use to improve the façades of their buildings, carry out artwork or install features such as street furniture or canopies.

Meanwhile Drumconrath has been awarded €70,200 to enhance the aesthetics of the village and attract increased visitors to include the restoration of the old pump house, tidying/repainting of gates within village, community noticeboard, hedging and planting and riverside amenity works.

Announcing the funding last week, Minister Humphreys said:

“I am delighted to announce a record €27 million in funding under my Department’s Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

“This is all about tackling the scourge of vacancy and dereliction in our rural towns and villages.

“It’s 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 today 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.”