Some €15 million in funding will be available for rural towns and villages across Ireland through the 2018 Town and Village Renewal Scheme, according to Laois/Offaly TD and Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan.
Over the next 15 months, up to 200 towns and villages throughout the country – including Laois – will benefit from funding under the scheme, which will be made available through Local Authorities to support rural regeneration.
The scheme is specifically targeted at rural towns and villages with populations of less than 10,000.
Speaking this afternoon Minister Flanagan stated:
“This funding will benefit up to 200 towns and villages right across Ireland including here in Laois.
“The towns and villages of rural Ireland are the heart and soul of our rural communities and it is crucial that we revitalise these areas.
“My Fine Gael colleague, Rural and Community Development Minister Michael Ring, has allocated €15 million for the 2018 Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
“The scheme will again be administered in Laois through Laois County Council
“I want to encourage towns and villages in Laois to work with Laois County Council in preparing innovative and well thought-out projects under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and I look forward to the announcement of the successful recipients of funding in the coming months.
“I know our local businesses and local communities will work hard to develop and implement ideas with Laois that can make a real and sustainable impact in revitalising rural towns and villages across the country.
“In order to avail of funding through the scheme, Laois County Council will be required to advertise for expressions of interest from towns and villages and will select proposals for development into detailed applications to be submitted to the Department by the end of June.
“The final project selection will be made in July by the Department of Rural and Community Development.
“Successful projects will be expected to commence by year-end and can run throughout 2019.”
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