Town and Village Renewal Scheme
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (Friday January 8th) announced details of the projects that have been approved for funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. A total of €800,000 was secured for County Offaly which was the second highest amount allocated to any county nationally.
The funding will facilitate 7 towns and villages in Offaly to implement measures to improve their public realm and local economies to respond to the challenges associated with COIVD-19.
Speaking after the announcement today, Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr John Carroll said “This funding is about helping communities to adapt to ongoing challenges– it will help make our towns and villages attractive places to live, work and do business.”
CEO of Offaly County Council, Anna-Marie Delaney, welcomed the funding announcement and said “This funding is very important to our county to enhance economic and social activity. Our team works closely with local communities in making these applications and I would encourage any community groups who are currently developing plans to contact The Regeneration Team in the Planning Section of Offaly County Council for assistance in accessing future funding opportunities.”
This €800,000 TVR funding now brings a total of almost €4million investment in Offaly towns and villages over the past 4 years. This has been made possible by the annual budgetary provision of match funding decided upon by the elected members. Offaly County Council will continue to explore opportunities for financial support for communities that were not successful this time round.
Further calls for expression of interest from communities will be advertised in 2021, and Offaly County Council would welcome applications particularly from towns and villages that have not yet received TVR funding.
Offaly County Council were successful with 7 out of 10 projects submitted as follows
Town | Project Approved |
Pollagh | To enhance the public realm including upgrading footpaths, lighting and signage to improve accessibility to the Cycle Café from the Grand Canal Greenway. €100,000 |
Ferbane | Ferbane Public realm regeneration including the development of the town's Old Fire Station site, Heritage Centre Area and improvements to the Mass Path looped walk. €200,000 |
Mucklagh | Mucklagh Public realm improvements including a pedestrian crossing, footways, landscaping and public lighting. €100,000 |
Cloneygowan | Enhancement of the Fair Green area, including a provision of a safe outdoor gathering space and to regularise car parking around the green. €100,000 |
Daingean | Extension of public realm enhancement works, footpath improvements, landscaping, street furniture and public lighting. €100,000 |
Killmalogue | Kilmalogue Public realm enhancement of the town including the upgrading of footpaths, landscaping, seating, improved parking and upgrading of a pedestrian crossing. €100,000 |
Mountbolus | Mountbolus Public realm enhancements including underground cabling, pedestrian crossing, footpath, and public lighting. €100,000 |
