Investments for three Kilkenny towns as part of over €27 million investment to combat dereliction

Investment for Thomastown, Callan and Glenmore announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD will combat dereliction and breathe new life into our rural towns and villages, according to Fine Gael TD, John Paul Phelan.

“As part of the €27 million plus package in Kilkenny, €56,000 goes to Thomastown to further develop and finish off the existing outdoor park/amenity located in the centre of Thomastown. The works detailed in the application propose to make the amenity more suitable for all ages to use in this central town space.

“Also in Thomastown, just under €50,000 has been earmarked for the consultation, design brief, tender, EIA, surveys and screenings, planning, architect fees for a building in Thomastown to become a community hub for several local groups.

 “In Callan, funding of €100,000 is being made available to finance streetscape enhancement and in Glenmore, funding of just under €50,000 is to be provided  for the consultation, design brief, tender, EIA, surveys and screenings, planning, architect fees for a building to be purchased and turned into community shop and meeting facility,” Deputy Phelan said.

The announcement represents the largest ever investment under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and will see a range of landmark projects delivered across Rural Ireland.

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The major package announced by Minister Humphreys comprises 4 Strands: 

· €17 million investment in 75 Town and Village Projects nationwide;

· €6 million in funding to purchase and re-develop vacant and derelict buildings and convert them into community facilities;

· €2.6 million to upgrade the shopfronts and building facades in 26 towns under the Streetscape Enhancement Initiative;

· €1.56 million for planning and design works on a range of projects that are at an early stage of development

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Announcing the funding Minister Humphreys said: “I am delighted to announce a record €27 million in funding under my Department’s Town and Village Renewal Scheme. This is all about tackling the scourge of vacancy and dereliction in our rural towns and villages. It’s about taking old buildings and giving them a new lease of life.

 “And it’s about rejuvenating the centre of our towns by developing public plazas, town parks, community gardens and sports facilities for the benefit of local families. This investment today will breathe new life into rural towns and villages across every single county. It’s the largest ever investment under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and demonstrates my passion and ambition for our rural communities.”