South Roscommon villages get major funding boost
South Roscommon projects are the big local winners in the latest round of Town and Village Renewal Scheme funding announced today by Minister Heather Humphreys, which is designed to assist areas to respond to the challenges associated with Covid-19.
Projects in Dysart, Lecarrow, Knockcroghery were each granted €100,000 as part of a countywide total of €800,000.
Disappointingly, just two projects in Westmeath were recipients this time around, one in Fore, and another in Moate.
A total of €81,000 has been granted to Moate Museum for refurbishment in the old jail premises to enable it to continue as a public building.
In Dysart Co Roscommon, public realm improvements are planned following the €100,000 boost, along with developing a community study and digital hub in an unused section of the community centre and signage in the village.
Over in Knockcroghery, a commemorative artistic installation forms part of their successful project, in addition to, public realm works, landscaping, street furnishing and pavement repairs.
Meanwhile, in Lecarrow, the €100,000 will be spent on village enhancement, including the provision of a footpath from the marina to the village centre; provision of outdoor benches, picnic tables and public lighting.
Announcing the successful projects today, 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 today 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 today 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.”
The funding of over €15 million announced today is in addition to €10.4 million allocated by Minister Humphreys to 363 towns and villages since August 2020 for immediate Covid-19 response measures under the 2020 Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
In total, over 500 projects are now being supported with funding of more than €25 million under the 2020 Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and administered through the local authorities, in consultation with local communities.
Local TD, and Chair of the Dáil Rural and Community Affairs Committee, Denis Naughten has welcomed the funding for Roscommon and East Galway projects.
“The funding is being made available for village enhancement, improved pedestrian access, remote working and study facilities as well as enhancing visitor and tourist experiences, all with the objective of making these villages better places to live, work and visit.
“This investment in the villages concerned will also support local job creation and provide a much-needed boost to the economy of these villages,” confirmed Denis Naughten.
Welcoming the successful Westmeath projects, Minister Peter Burke said: “In Moate, €81,000 has been allocated in order to refurbish the Moate Museum which is housed in the old Moate Jail building. This will enable the building to continue to be used as public building and will be a fantastic regeneration project for the centre of the town.
“And in Fore, €100,000 has been given to construct a walkway in the village to link up the existing footpath in order to create a looped walkway for local residents to enjoy".