Almost €1 million in Government funding has been allocated for community projects in three Laois areas.
€500,000 has been awarded to Ballyroan for the redevelopment of the old boys primary school into a playground and multi-use games area.
The €500,000 assigned to Ballyroan is the maximum that can be given to a project – and only eight communities across the country have received such a sum.
€250,000 has been given to Mountrath for the regeneration of the town centre while just under €220,000 is being allocated to Rathdowney for streetscape enhancement works.
The funding was officially announced this morning by Minister Heather Humphreys under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
Ballyroan-based councillor Barry Walsh has said described the plans in the village as a “transformative project”.
“It will provide an inclusive space in the village for everyone to enjoy. It is less than two years since a public meeting was held to discuss the future of the old school site which had fallen into considerable disrepair and had become an eyesore.”
The Ballyroan Community Development association alongside Laois County Council have worked to purchase the site, carry out a feasibility study and apply for planning.
“This is very welcome funding for these communities in Laois, which will see the renovation and rejuvenation of our rural towns,” said Laois-Offaly TD and Minister for State Sean Fleming in welcoming the news.
“This is very welcome funding for these communities in Laois, which will see the renovation and rejuvenation of our rural towns. Some buildings and public spaces can become eyesores, so it is important that we renew and restore them for our locks communities.
“I want to thank all of the committed and hard-working local community committees for their work in preserving and maintaining their town buildings, town squares and parks.”
“This funding is extremely welcome news for Laois, especially residents of Ballyroan, Mountrath and Rathdowney,” said Laois-Offaly TD Charlie Flanagan following the announcement.
“These excellent initiatives will ensure our smaller towns and villages are more attractive and sustainable places in which to live and work.
“The benefit of previous funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme is now being felt countrywide and I am delighted today that even more areas in Laois will benefit from the funding.”
In all over €20 million in funding has been announced today to benefit rural towns and villages the length and breadth of the country. Funding is being allocated to deliver 82 projects right across Ireland.
The full breakdown for the funding is as follows:
Ballyroan – Redevelopment of the Old Boys School to include a children’s playground, MUGA, car park facility, public lighting and landscaping. €500,000.
Mountrath – Regenerate town centre facility which hosts the monthly farmers market, public realm works in the town square and landscape improvements. €250,000.
Rathdowney – Streetscape enhancement works in the town centre, to include upgrade of public lighting. €218,119
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