Over €2M for projects in Cavan and Monaghan

Christmas has come early for some towns in Cavan and Monaghan as funding of over €2M is due to come their way for various enhancement projects.

A total of €2,149,250 was announced under for projects under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the Project Development measure for both counties.

Under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, Cavan received a total of €899,250 divided among the towns of Killeshandra (€299,250), Kingscourt (€300,000) and Mullagh (€300,000). In Monaghan, Carrickmacross (€500,000), Castleblayney (€300,000) and Monaghan Town (300,000) are the beneficiaries of a total of €1.1M.

Meanwhile under the Project Development Measure Killeshandra received €50,000 for the redevelopment of 'Stewarts Shop' in the town centre into a mixed-use cultural and visitor hub. Under the same funding stream, Castleblayney received €50,000 for procurement of consultancy services to develop a plan for the historic Walled Garden, meanwhile Scotstown received the same amount to support the regeneration of the town's village green and surrounding public spaces.

Town and Village Renewal funding will go towards a town-wide paint scheme in Killeshandra, as well as new public spaces and amenities. The Kingscourt Active Recreation Hub will provide a town centre multipurpose active play and sports facility; while Mullagh is set to receive refreshed painting on Main Street buildings, improved community outdoor spaces, more attractive outdoor movement and welcoming entry points to the village. The funding in Monaghan will go towards similar projects with streetscape and amenity enhancements on the cards for Carrickmacross including lighting of historic landmark buildings and the provision of a public water feature at the Market Square. The internal fit-out of a community building at Mindszenty Park in Castleblayney will be the result of this funding, while in Monaghan Town the funding will go towards the development of a motorhome stopover amenity facility with on-site services and enhancements to the wider greenway area.

Deputy Brendan Smith welcomed the announcement by Dara Calleary TD, Minister for Rural and Community Developoment.

"This funding is being invested in projects that will rejuvenate town centres, combat dereliction and vacancy, develop outdoor spaces and boost tourism in our counties," he said, complimenting the local authorities and all communities and volunteers on their tremendous work.