Minister Humphreys announces over €15.4 million in funding for 147 rural towns and villages

Funding aimed at helping communities respond to COVID-19 Focus on developing outdoor amenities and enhancing public spaces Emphasis on supporting Remote Working in rural communities

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced over €15.4 million under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

The funding will assist towns and villages to implement measures that can help them to respond to the challenges associated with COVID-19.

The funding will benefit 147 towns and villages and will fund a wide and diverse range of projects nationwide including walkways, community parks, outdoor cinemas, cycleways as well as the regeneration of derelict buildings and enhancement works at tourism attractions and other important local amenities.

Funding has also been provided for the development of a number of remote working facilities in rural towns and villages. Successful projects will see the renovation and conversion of vacant buildings into digital hubs as well as adaptions to local community centres to provide for remote working and eLearning facilities.

Announcing the successful projects, Minister Humphreys said:

“Our rural towns and villages are a vital part of the fabric of our lives. The past year has shown us, more than ever, how much we rely on our local communities and has rekindled our sense of pride in where we live." "The funding I am announcing is about helping communities get back on their feet and adapt to the ongoing challenges COVID-19 presents – it will help make our towns and villages safer places to live, work and do business." "The pandemic has made us all appreciate the importance of getting outdoors for a little exercise and fresh air. I am delighted that a wide range of projects being funded will support the development of recreational amenities such as walkways, cycleways, dog parks, community parks, playgrounds and more."

"There is also significant investment to regenerate old buildings and enhancement works at areas of natural beauty - helping make our towns and villages more attractive places to visit and enjoy.”

Examples of successful projects include:

• Stradbally, Co Waterford: €88,615 - Development of a biodiversity park, including natural paving, seating, bespoke bike stands and interpretative wildlife signage • Ballinalee, Co Longford: €97,451 - Develop an autism friendly community park with enhancments to playground facilities and the provision of a walking/cycling track • Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim: €200,000 - The creation of a town centre community venue with