Funding for local projects announced

 

Proposals for a Geopark Outdoor Pursuits hub in the west of the county, a recreational amenity for local estates Kingscourt, and the rejuvenation of several local areas have received a welcome boost in new funding announced under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

Almost €1.2 million in funding has been allocated to the region in the latest tranche, with €604,913.63 for projects in Cavan and €569,536.13 for projects in neighbouring Co Monaghan.

Among the projects selected is €79,959.60 for Swanlinbar to develop a Geopark Outdoor Pursuits and Services Hub through renovating a disused stone building.

A little over €95,000 has been allocated to Kingscourt to develop an outdoor recreational amenity between Mount St Joseph and Cabra View housing estates; and €80,000 each to Mullagh and Ballyhaise to carry out a range of physical improvements.

In Mullagh the investment will focus on facade painting and the installation of new footpaths, while Ballyhaise will also refurbish foothpaths while removing overhead cables and installing of decorative lighting.

There is €80,000 for Loch Gowna where plans are afoot to rejuvenate the village by improving the physical capital infrastructure, whereas in Kilnaleck, €85,917.24 will be spent installing new footpaths on Barrack Road and Church Road, as well as erecting a speed activated speed indicator sign. The facade of 20 buildings will also received a facelift.

Elsewhere, the village Butlersbridge received €26,456.79 to install a bus shelter at the local link and to install public seating areas and flower boxes, with Ballyconnell to get €33,440 to carry out landscaping and to develop the town park.

In Monaghan, Oram got €60,245.80 to facilitate the installation of a memorial garden at Oram GFC; Scotshouse received €99,439.78 to construct a pedestrian bridge between Scotstown village park and Redhills Road; Lough Egish will spend €100,000 in providing a new footpath connecting the Catholic Church with Lough Egish Food Park and Aughnamullen GAA grounds in the village of Lough Egish; and in Annyalla, €78,657 will go towards providing a safe pedestrian footpath between Drumakelly housing estate and the village.

Monaghan Town meanwhile got €57,600 to clean a section of the Ulster canal, and carry out appropriate planting and turn this section of Ulster Canal Greenway into a haven for wildlife; Carrickroe received €73,593.55 to develop a playground in the village; Ballybay nreceived €80,000 to extend existing public lighting, and enhancement of entrance to Ballybay Park; and Inniskeen will spend €20,000 for public realm works in the village.

Heather Humphreys, Fine Gael TD for Cavan Monaghan and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, welcomed the €1,174,449.76 in funding awarded the 2019 Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

“This is a very significant allocation and it will enable a wide variety of excellent projects across both counties to be progressed,” she said.

The Minister added that the funding will help “drive economic activity” in local towns and villages and also make them “more attractive and more sustainable places” in which to live and work.

“I was determined to drive the Scheme in my previous position as Minister for Regional and Rural Affairs because I understand the huge impact it can have on rural areas,” said Minister Humphreys.

She commended all of the local groups who had worked with the Local Authorities on their applications. “I know they will be delighted with today’s announcement. The funding is very well deserved and it will make a big difference to the communities involved.

“I would also like to acknowledge the central role played by Monaghan County Council and Cavan County Council in administering the Scheme locally. They consistently punch above their weight when it comes to drawing down funding from Government.

“I now look forward to seeing work commence on these projects as soon as possible,” she concluded.