€62m in funding for Rural projects
Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development, has today announced 66 projectswill be allocated funding of €62 million under the €1 billion Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, a key component of Project Ireland 2040.
It follows on from the first announcement in Sligo last year, meaning that to date, 84 projects have been allocated a total of €86 million funding for rural regeneration and development.
The announcement took place in the Íontas Arts Centre, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan where Minister Ring was joined by Heather Humphreys TD, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation and Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for Community Development, Natural Resources and Digital Development.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund aims to revitalise rural Ireland by supporting self-sustaining projects in towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000.
The successful local applications for funding include: a national mountain-biking project that will develop recreational facilities in four locations across seven counties, promoting economic tourism potential; The development of a major tourism and amenity attraction at the site of Granard Motte, a national monument on the outskirts of Granard; and a new community-run Enterprise Centre, adjacent to Castlebayney Town Centre, providing high quality office space on a disused site, facilitating economic development in the regions.
Speaking at the event today, Minister Ring said: “This Fund is a clear demonstration of Project Ireland 2040 in action and is further evidence of this Government’s commitment to rural communities. These investments will have a transformative effect on many rural towns, villages and outlying areas.
“These projects are ambitious and strategic in nature. The funding will transform communities by delivering projects in sectors such as tourism, agri-food and recreation. After today, every county in the country will be benefitting from the Rural Fund.”
He added: “I believe that it is vital that we continue to build resilience in rural communities and make our towns and villages vibrant places for families to live. It is also particularly appropriate, with Brexit approaching, that we continue to strengthen the rural economy and support sustainable development. The projects that this fund supports are targeting areas where they can have the greatest economic and social impact.”
Minister Humphreys meanwhile welcomed the announcement.
“Without a doubt, this funding will support job creation and encourage entrepreneurship right across the country. It also promotes balanced regional development and ensures that opportunity is shared all over Ireland.”
Minister Canney also welcomed the collaborative approach to delivering rural development: “The Rural Fund encourages joined-up thinking involving collaboration between Government Departments, Local Authorities, public bodies, and rural stakeholders. The projects announced today will bring about real and tangible benefits for rural communities and the regions.”