More haste needed on town renewal schemes — McCarthy

A local councillor has called for more urgency in rolling out new town and village renewal schemes.

Cllr Michael McCarthy has said he is seeking understanding of what the delay is, following the announcement of funding last year.

“This welcomed scheme can play a fundamental role in supporting the economic development of rural towns across Carlow and Kilkenny,” he said.

“The scheme seeks to support the revitalisation of our towns and villages in order to improve the living and working surrounds of those residing or working there.

The scheme seeks to improve the environment of rural workers while simultaneously supporting the potential economic activity in their areas. Rural Kilkenny could benefit through rural walkways, improved access routes, and improvement of minor infrastructural deficits, funding for new village/rural initiatives including agriculture, food, tourism, heritage, culture and energy, enterprise development and entrepreneurship, new trading businesses and shops and heightened attractiveness for people to reside in rural Kilkenny. All of this contributes to the restoration of the local town or village as the prosperous social centre previously enjoyed,” said Cllr McCarthy.

“Developing and maintaining a vibrant rural economy is of national and local importance.