A funding allocation of over €11.2m will support refurbishment and development projects across the Midlands-North West which will help to revitalise rural towns and villages, a Fine Gael MEP has said.
MEP Maria Walsh was speaking following Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys’ announcement of a further €20 million for rural towns and villages nationwide through The Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
MEP Walsh said:
“Through this scheme, funding is being allocated to deliver 82 projects right across Ireland, for works including the regeneration of derelict buildings, the provision of public plazas and farmers markets in town centres, in addition to the development of town parks.
“I am particularly pleased to see that the Midlands-North West area which I represent received over 50% of the total funding allocated.
“This positive investment is being provided under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme which is a key objective of the Our Rural Future and Town Centre First Policies. These schemes highlight Fine Gael’s continued commitment to delivering for Rural Ireland.
“As a party we understand that communities in the Midlands-North West are the backbone of our country, and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme puts their wellbeing at the heart of this funding.
“The proposals have come from the local communities themselves and the result is that we now have funding for projects for the betterment of our wonderful constituency.
“A key part of this funding is that it helps to bring back into use vacant and derelict buildings, which are characteristic of many Irish rural towns. These once loved spaces can be of benefit once again to people as Community Halls and Youth Centres.
“I think we all very much look forward to seeing these projects being delivered and the undoubted positive impact they will have on communities across Midlands-North West,” MEP Walsh concluded.
Minister Heather Humphreys said: “There are more people living in rural Ireland than ever before. There are more people working in rural Ireland than ever before and there is more investment going into rural Ireland than ever before.
“These projects are all about making our rural towns and villages great places to live, work and raise a family. I want to thank the local communities who brought forward these proposals and I look forward to seeing work commence on many of these exciting projects in the near future.”
