Laois to benefit from Town & Village Renewal Scheme

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, announced over €15.4 million under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

The funding will assist towns and villages to implement measures that can help them to respond to the challenges associated with COVID-19.

The funding will benefit 147 towns and villages and will fund a wide and diverse range of projects nationwide including walkways, community parks, outdoor cinemas, cycleways as well as the regeneration of derelict buildings and enhancement works at tourism attractions and other important local amenities.

Funding has also been provided for the development of a number of remote working facilities in rural towns and villages. Successful projects will see the renovation and conversion of vacant buildings into digital hubs as well as adaptions to local community centres to provide for remote working and eLearning facilities.

Announcing the successful projects, 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.”

Senator Pippa Hackett; the Minister of State for Agriculture, also welcomed the grants

“Some wonderful projects in Laois are being supported by this funding. I’m delighted to see spending on the community café and farmers market in Rathdowney, the bridge in Stradbally, the heritage centre in Timahoe, the eLearning hub in Durrow, and broadband points across the county. In total, Laois will receive €383,375,” she said.