Over €106k for various local initiatives
The approved projects will assist businesses/communities in towns and villages to adapt to the specific challenges posed by COVID-19 and hopefully increase footfall and generate economic activity in the short-term.
More than €106,000 has been allocated for initiatives in four local towns across Co Cavan.
The funding has been allocated under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
In Cootehill, €37,090 has been assigned for the development of a marketing strategy and the development of a web portal to enable online selling in Cootehill.
Killeshandra meanwhile has been given €22,262 for rolling out health and safety improvements at the Community Centre, Loop Walk enhancements, seating and footpath cleaning
A total of €25,000 has been awarded to Kilnaleck to be used to install a canopy on the astro turf facilities for social and cultural events; with a further €22,361 winging its way to Swanlinbar to fund an outdoor hub in a bid to boost tourism.
This will include the creation of an outdoor area that includes a barbeque area and bike rentals also in the west Cavan village.
The money awarded by Minister Heather Humphreys is part of a €2.8m package under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. 106 towns and villages will benefit nationwide.
It’s the first time that funding has been awarded under this scheme for Covid specific purposes.
The funding she hopes will help communities to shop, socialise and work safely in light of Covid-19 Pandemic.
“It is vitally important that we increase footfall in rural towns and villages by supporting them to adapt to this ‘new normal’ as a result of Covid-19.
The extra funding of €10 million for towns and villages under the July Stimulus Package is in addition to €15 million already ear-marked for the Town and Village Renewal Scheme for 2020.
The approved projects will assist businesses/communities in towns and villages to adapt to the specific challenges posed by COVID-19 and hopefully increase footfall and generate economic activity in the short-term.
The projects chosen for funding have been identified by local community groups and businesses, in conjunction with their Local Authorities.
“This funding will benefit communities by assisting them to alter their streetscapes so that people can shop, work and socialise safely.
“I want to commend all those in the communities of Cootehill, Kilnaleck, Swanlinbar Killeshandra who actively engaged with Cavan County Council on their applications.”
The newly appointed Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Islands added: “Local authorities throughout the country have been developing creative and innovative proposals to increase footfall and assist businesses in our rural towns and villages.
“This tranche of funding announced today is part of an enhanced €25m Town and Village Scheme which will continue to rejuvenate rural communities across Ireland.
“Further approvals under this hugely popular scheme will follow in a series of funding rounds that will be announced in the coming weeks, and I expect that up to 500 towns and villages will be supported this year.”
Aside from the enhanced Town and Village Renewal Scheme, Ms Humphreys also secured a fund of €5 million for upgrading and improving community centres, as well as an extra €2 million to support the islands, in the July Stimulus.
Fine Gael Senator Joe O’Reilly also welcomed funding announced by his colleague, Minister Humphreys
“These very welcome investments will create jobs, revitalise communities, and restore quality of life for all” said Sen O Reilly.