Applications open for Roscommon town and village renewal projects

Communities in Roscommon are currently being invited to put forward projects for consideration under this year's Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

The scheme is designed to provide funding of between €20,000 and €100,000 for public realm improvement works or town centre amenity projects that can be completed within a 12 to 18-month period.

The main focus of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme this year is on projects that can support the recovery of towns and villages in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Roscommon County Council said the scheme was aiming to "rejuvenate rural towns and villages, with a focus on supporting public realm type activities and the enhancing of town centre amenities, particularly where this aids the social or economic recovery of a town or village."

All projects being put forward for consideration must be in a position to commence work as soon as approval is granted, and they must be capable of being delivered inside 18 months.

A few examples of works that may be approved under the scheme include: Projects that can respond to COVID-19 challenges; the enhancement of a streetscape; initiatives to encourage town centre living; revamping buildings for remote working or community use; tourism initiatives; and the development of recreational facilities.

A maximum of six projects can be put forward for Government funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme in each local authority area.

The closing date for expressions of interest under the scheme in Roscommon is 5pm on Friday, July 3, and more details can be found here: http://www.roscommoncoco.ie/en/News-Events/Latest-News/Town-and-Village-Renewal-Scheme-2020/Town-and-Village-Renewal-Scheme-2020.html

A separate grant scheme in Roscommon, for accelerated measures in response to Covid-19, closed for expressions of interest at 5pm today (Wednesday).