Two Donegal projects are to receive additional funding totalling €1.8 million under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
The Department of Rural and Community Development has confirmed to Donegal County Council that the Burtonport Regeneration Project is getting an extra €1.3 million, while the Ramelton Regeneration Project will be allocated an additional €503,000.
Welcoming the news, Donegal minister, Charlie McConalogue said the funding will help bring both projects to a finish.
“Funding totalling €2 million had been earmarked to complete the works in the Burtonport Regeneration Project. The extra €1.3 million on top of that €2 million brings the total now to €3.3 million,” the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine commented.
The next phase of the Burtonport Regeneration Project will see the completion of works at the pier at Ailt á Chorráin.
“The government had initially allocated €6.359 million to the Ramelton Regeneration Project, and that has been topped up with an additional €503,000 which brings the government’s total contribution to €6.863 million. When Donegal County Council’s allocation is taken into account, the total funding comes to €8.579 million,” Minister McConalogue added.
The Ramelton Regeneration Project involves the restoration and extension of the House on the Brae to provide for a community facility incorporating a co-working area, a digital/creative hub, office accommodation, and exhibition space. A multi-purpose civic space is being developed at Gamble’s Square as well as a reinstatement of the Market Cross as a civic meeting space with public seating.
“These extra allocations are to assist the two Donegal projects with the increase in costs. I am delighted that Minister Humphries has given significant funding for these two Rural Regeneration Projects. The Burtonport and Ramelton projects are going to cost more than had originally been budgeted for,” the Donegal minister said.
“Donegal County Council and I have been liaising with the Department of Rural and Community Development in relation to these local projects over the last period of time to make sure they progress. It’s great to have secured this extra funding to ensure these projects can be delivered. These two projects will have a massive impact on their respective communities and economies.
“They are crucial for the future development of Burtonport and Ramelton – two towns in Donegal where the communities, groups, voluntary organisations and individuals all play their part in helping improve the place they live and work in. These two projects will leave a real and lasting legacy for generations to come. I will continue to monitor their progress and look forward to seeing both being fully completed,” Minister McConalogue added.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns, villages, and rural areas across Ireland. To date, 215 projects have been approved for RRDF funding of €414 million for projects costing €571 million.