More money needed to revitalise towns and communities - Smyth

 

Fifteen towns and villages in counties Cavan and Monaghan have applied for funding for schemes under the Town and Village Fund - seven in Cavan and eight in Monaghan.

 

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Arts and Heritage Niamh Smyth says it is critical that they all benefit from the €10M pot.

“Firstly, I would say it this is a welcome initiative but it doesn’t go far enough. It is vital that more money is provided for this scheme. I feel that all towns and villages need substantial investment to get their communities working again,' said Deputy Smyth.

In Cavan - Cavan Town, Cootehill and Virginia have all applied under the scheme for a €100,000 grant; while Ballyhaise, Ballinagh, Killeshandra and Shercock are the four villages in Cavan who’ve applied for approximately €30,000 each under this scheme.

While in County Monaghan - Ballybay, Castleblayney, Carrickmacross, Glaslough, Monaghan Town, Rockcorry, Inniskeen and Scotstown have all applied for various amounts under this scheme.

“Firstly, I would appeal to the Minister Heather Humphreys to ensure that all these applications in our own Constituency of Cavan and Monaghan are successful. Secondly, I would ask her to extend the time in which this money must be spent. Applications were only submitted to the Department last week and it is my understanding that the monies must be spent by Christmas 2016.

“I believe more time is needed for this scheme. It was only announced early August. Details of how to apply followed in the coming weeks and the deadline closely followed. With all due respect to the local authorities involved, the time frame doesn't allow for much creativity under the scheme for proposals unless there were projects identified in a county already.”

The aim of this scheme is to support the revitalisation of towns and villages and to improve the living and working environment of communities and increase the potential for economic activity into the future.

 “The Government say they want to 'breathe' life back into our rural towns and villages but we need more investments. More importantly, we need to retain existing services such as the local shop, the local post office and our local Garda Station. Many towns have lost these key services which are so important in attracting people to live in area, thus increasing population and attracting industry,' contended Deputy Smyth.

“It is incumbent on every Government Department to engage in cross-departmental planning to rural proof each of their departments to maintain our local Post Offices, Garda Stations, broadband and road infrastructure,' he said.