Our Rural Future: Waterford towns and villages set to benefit from Town and Village Renewal Scheme
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, recently announced over €27 million in funding that will combat dereliction and breathe new life into rural towns and villages.
The announcement represents the largest ever investment under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and will see a range of landmark projects delivered across Rural Ireland.
Cappoquin, Clonea Power, Dunhill, Tallow, Passage East and Tramore were among the towns and villages set to benefit from a share of over €675,000. Investment will support the creation of a community garden in Cappoquin, a contemplative garden in Clonea Power, the creation of remote working hubs in Dunhill, harnessing the potential future opportunities for Passage East harbour and a feasibility study for the development of a multi-cultural centre in Tramore.
The major package announced by Minister Humphreys today comprises of four strands which include investment in 75 Town and Village Projects nationwide; funding to purchase and re-develop vacant and derelict buildings and convert them into community facilities; the upgrade of shopfronts and building facades in 26 towns under the Streetscape Enhancement Measure; and funding for planning and design works on a range of projects that are at an early stage of development.
Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said, “I am delighted to announce a record €27 million in funding under my Department’s Town and Village Renewal Scheme. This is all about tackling the scourge of vacancy and dereliction in our rural towns and villages. It’s about taking old buildings and giving them a new lease of life.
“And it’s about rejuvenating the centre of our towns by developing public plazas, town parks, community gardens and sports facilities for the benefit of local families.
“This investment today will breathe new life into rural towns and villages across every single county.
“It’s the largest ever investment under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and demonstrates my passion and ambition for our rural communities.”
Richie Walsh, Head of Rural Development with Waterford City and County Council added, “This investment shows real confidence in the potential of our rural towns and villages. From enhancing our public realm spaces, creating dedicated hubs for remote working, and investing in the improvement of building facades and facilitating artwork installations, our rural towns and villages can and will become the heart of our communities once again.”
