Towns and villages across north and west Donegal are being encouraged to apply for funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme provides funding of up to €200,000 for projects that make rural towns more attractive places in which to live and work.
The scheme is specifically targeted at supporting rural towns and villages with populations of less than 10,000.
Fine Gael local election candidates Eimer Friel and Evelyn Sweeney are leading the call out for applicants to avail of the funding boost.
Milford Electoral Area candidate Eimer Friel said: “Since the Town and Village Renewal Scheme was introduced in 2016, almost €53 million has been approved for over 670 projects across the country.
“These projects cover a range of activities, from improving the public realm, to job-creation initiatives such as the development of enterprise hubs and digital hubs. Already Rathmullan, Portsalon, Kilmacrennan and Kerrykeel have availed of these funds and I would encourage groups in Milford and Ramelton to apply this time around.”
Fellow Fine Gael candidate Evelyn Sweeney said: “This is a brilliant scheme and already Glenties, Falcarragh, Burtonport and Arranmore have received funding in the past 18 months – with the Arranmore digital hub opening today. I visited the hub last week and it has a huge potential for the island, allowing islanders to work from the island in the future.
“I strongly encourage other towns and villages in the west and north of the county to work with Donegal County Council in preparing innovative and well thought-out projects under the scheme and I look forward to the announcement of the successful recipients of funding in the coming months.
“In order to avail of funding through the scheme, Donegal Co Co will be required to advertise for expressions of interest from towns and villages and will select proposals for development into detailed applications to be submitted to the Department by the end of June.”