Fine Gael Minister of State Joe McHugh TD has said that Donegal will benefit greatly from the newly launched Town and Village Renewal Scheme for Rural Ireland. The scheme aims to reguvenate up to 200 towns and villages nationally.
Heather Humphreys, the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, launhed the €10 million scheme last week.
Joe McHugh urges Donegal County Council to apply for the full allocation of funds. They can apply for up to eight projects, and they must submit their plans to the Humphreys’ department by September.
Minister Joe McHugh
The funding will cover 85% of costs related to revitalising towns and villages. The council must then join up with local businesses and the community to put together ideas that can have a real and lasting impact in the revistalisation.
Mc Hugh says; “The funding can be used to increase the attractiveness of the town or village as a local commercial and social centre, and increase its sustainability as a place in which to live and work. It will help to enhance the local environment and amenity in the interests of residents, businesses and visitors.”
“It could also be used to enhance the culture and local heritage assets of the town/village and promote tourism. Another potential use for the fund is to tackle minor physical infrastructural deficits and land assembly issues.”
Although the main focus is on small towns and villages with populations of less than 5,000, there will be some funding available for towns with populations from 5,000-10,0000.
Mc Hugh concluded; “This Government has made sure that rural development is a key priority in the Programme for a Partnership Government and appointed a dedicated Minister, Heather Humphreys. This Town and Village Renewal Scheme is just the start of our work to ensure that all regions of the country feel the benefits of our strong economy.”