€383,375 has been allocated for improvements to towns and villages across Laois under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
A total of nine communities in the county will benefit with projects selected in Rathdowney, Stradbally, Timahoe, Vicarstown, Emo, Killeshin, Donaghmore, Camross and Durrow.
In Rathdowney, €79,303 has been allocated for the development of community café and remote working and training facility and development of space to facilitate a Farmers and Artisan Market.
€99,514 is on its way to Stradbally for the conservation of a bridge at the centre of the village, public realm improvements and soft landscaping to enhance biodiversity.
Timahoe are getting €100,000 for the conservation and upgrading works to the heritage centre and preparation and installation of heritage interpretation material.
Vicarstown, Emo, Killeshin, Donaghmore and Camross have been allocated €45,000 for the provision of ICT equipment, furniture and screening to 5 Broadband Connection Point Locations in Laois.
While €59,558 is on its way to Durrow for the furnishing and equipping of rooms in eLearning Hub.
Welcoming the news, Fine Gael TD Charlie Flanagan said: “This funding is extremely welcome news for rural Laois.
“I congratulate the community leaders and volunteers involved in these projects and expect more approvals later in the year.
“These initiatives represent excellent value for money and will ensure smaller towns and villages across the county are more attractive and sustainable places in which to live.”
While Green Party Minister Pippa Hackett added: “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.”
SEE ALSO – In Pictures: Some much needed fun as first snowfall of 2021 hits Laois
