Archive

 

Adoption of Part IV (Section 51) of the Public Health Acts Amendment Act 1890

Take Notice, that Monaghan County Council, at a meeting on 12 April, 2021 adopted Part IV of the Public Health Acts Amendment Act 1890 and the said Part IV of the Act shall come into effect  in all of County Monaghan on the expiry of one calendar month from the date of this publication, pursuant to Section 4 of the Act.

 

Cathal Flynn,

A/Director of Services,

Monaghan County Council

 

29^th April 2021

 

 

 

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

 

Temporary Closing of Roads – Emergency Closure

 

Monaghan County Council hereby gives notice to extend Emergency Closure in accordance with Section 75 of the Roads Act 1993 & Article 12 of the Roads Regulations 1994 that it will close the following road in the Municipal District of Ballybay-Clones in County Monaghan:

Date & Time:      Friday 30^th April 2021 to Friday 7^th May 2021

To Facilitate:      Bridge Rehabilitation Works.

Roads Closed:

L-2201-0 in the townlands of Scarvy/Coolnalong Co. Monaghan

 

Division Route: –

Traffic wishing to proceed on the L-2200/L-2201 in the direction of Scarvy from the R212 will be diverted by remaining on the R-212 to Clones town, then turning right on to the R-183, then turning right on to the L-6240.

Traffic wishing to proceed on to the R-212 from the Townland of Scarvy will be diverted by turning right on to the L-6240, then turning left on to the R-183 to Clones town, then turning left on to the R-212.

All Detours will be signposted to direct the Traffic. (Local Access only, no through road).

If you have any queries concerning this Road Closure, please contact the Roads Section, Mtek 2, Knockaconny, Monaghan at 047 30597 or email roads@monaghancoco.ie.

Gareth McMahon

A/Senior Engineer

Roads and Transportation

29^th April 2021

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

2021 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme provides funding for the development of new and existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas.

 

Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development has announced €14 million in funding for outdoor recreation projects and investment that will support the adventure tourism sector in rural communities.

 

The funding, which is being provided under the Outdoor Recreation and Infrastructure Scheme, will support the key objectives of Our Rural Future.

 

The focus of the funding is to develop rural Ireland’s unique natural amenities and support outdoor pursuits and adventure activities such as hiking/mountaineering, cycling, horse-riding, canoeing/kayaking, swimming, surfing, sailing, rock-climbing, fishing, paragliding and hang-gliding.

The fund will provide for significant investment in the development of outdoor trails, walkways, cycleways, blueways, tidal pools, floating boardwalks and bridleways.

 

Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider opportunities to develop recreational amenities and increase public access and enjoyment of rural Ireland’s mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, beaches and bogs.

 

The funding announcement is aimed at supporting outdoor recreation tourism, a growing tourism sector internationally, which has the potential to have major economic spin-off benefits for rural towns and villages as well as improving the health and well-being of rural communities.

 

The 2021 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) will provide funding under 4 separate measures:

• Measure 1: Small Scale Repair/Development/Promotion and Marketing – grant up to €20,000
• Measure 2: Medium Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Trail/Amenity Development – grant up to €200,000
• Measure 3: Strategic Large Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Strategic Trail/Amenity Development projects – grant up to €500,000
• Project Development Measures – is new for 2021 and will provide funding for the detailed development of projects which would enable them to reach a standard for application under Measure 2 or 3 of ORIS – grant up to €50,000

 

Expressions of Interest are now being sought for projects under all measures. Expressions of Interest should include as much information as possible, including project details, location, estimated cost if known etc.

 

Please contact your local Municipal District Co-ordinator to discuss potential projects for submission to this scheme as early as possible:

• Ballybay/Clones Municipal District Office – 047 51018
• Carrickmacross/Castleblayney Municipal District Office – 042 9661236
• Monaghan Municipal District Office – 047 73777.

 

Closing date for receipt of Expressions of Interest to Monaghan County Council

is 5.00 p.m. on Friday 28^th May 2021,

all Expression of Interest should be submitted to akierans@monaghancoco.ie

Irish Water and Monaghan County Council working to restore water to customers in Monaghan Town and surrounding areas following burst at Old Cross Square

Issued April 28, 2021 – Irish Water and Monaghan County Council are working hard to restore water to customers in Monaghan Town and surrounding areas today following a burst on a large water main water at Old Cross Square, Monaghan Town.

These emergency repairs are being carried out as quickly and safely as possible and in line with COVID-19 protocols and are expected to be completed by 9pm tonight. Updates will be available as the repair progresses on the Irish Water website www.water.ie under the water supply and service section.

Peter Gallagher, Irish Water, explained: “Irish Water is working with Monaghan County Council to repair a significant burst which is causing water outages to a number of customers in areas surrounding Monaghan Town today. To facilitate these emergency works local traffic management and diversions will be in place. Traffic will be diverted along Macartan Road N54 toward the junction of the shopping Centre and back onto the Mall Road. Updates will be available as the repairs progress on the Irish Water website under the water supply and service section.

“People living and working in these areas are asked to conserve water where possible and to only use what they need whilst continuing to adhere to public health advice on hand washing and hygiene regarding COVID-19 while these repairs are underway. Simple water conservation efforts can have a big impact, such as taking showers over baths and fixing dripping taps where it is possible to do so. There are lots more tips on how to conserve water in your home, business or school on our website at https://www.water.ie/conservation/.”

Irish Water understands the inconvenience when a burst of this nature occurs and thanks customers for their patience while we work to repair the burst and restore normal supply to impacted customers. Irish Water regrets any inconvenience caused. Our customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1850 278 278 and customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries.  For updates please see the water supply and services section of our website.

Irish Water continues to work at this time with our Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services. Irish Water would like to remind people to follow the HSE COVID-19 advice and ensure frequent handwashing.

Statement from Department of Public Health North East Re: Increase in gastrointestinal infections in the North East

Date: 28^th April 2021

The Health Protection Team (HPT) in the Department of Public Health, HSE North East would like to advise the public to take extra care when in contact with farm animals following an increase in the numbers of cryptosporidiosis and VTEC (E. coli)infections in recent weeks. The majority of the infections have occurred in children under the age of ten.

Parents and caregivers of children attending crèches and primary schools are advised to monitor their children to see if they develop the symptoms of diarrhoea, particularly if you notice any blood in stools, as then they should seek prompt medical attention with their General Practitioner (GP) or GP out of hours service.

To date in 2021, there have been 33 cases of cryptosporidiosis and 20 cases of VTEC infections in the North East region, with a minority of these being hospitalised and all are recovering or recovered. In comparison for all of 2020, there were 24 cases of cryptosporidiosis and 79 cases of VTEC reported in the North East.

Commenting on the increase in notifications, Dr Keith Ian Quintyne, Specialist in Public Health Medicine with the Department of Public Health, HSE North East, said; “Investigations have not identified any clusters or outbreaks, but it has highlighted that the majority of cases in children have had interaction with farm animals. I would like to remind parents and caregivers of the importance of practicing good hand hygiene after touching or handling animals.”

Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrhoeal disease caused by a microscopic parasite (Cryptosporidium). Once an animal or person is infected, the parasite lives in the intestine and passes in the stool. The parasite is protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive outside the body for long periods and makes it very resistant to chlorine based disinfectants. It can survive temperatures greater than 70°C. It is found (particularly in water) through the world.

VTEC usually causes a mild illness that most people recover completely without any problems. However, VTEC produces a toxin that may damage the bowel wall causing severe bloody diarrhoea. In about 5 – 8% of cases, the infection causes a life-threatening complication called haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). In HUS, the red blood cells are destroyed and kidney failure occurs. HUS is more likely to occur in children under 5 years old and the elderly. VTEC infection usually requires no specific treatment other than ensuring plenty of fluids are taken. Family members and playmates of these children are at high risk of also becoming infected.

Dr Augustine Pereira, Director of Public Health in the North East, said; “As we’ve all come to realise during COVID-19, clean hands saves lives. This is true for many infectious diseases. The risk of gastrointestinal infections can be dramatically reduced through handwashing. It is essential to wash your hands using soap and water after touching or handling animals and children do not put their hands near their mouth after petting animals. By being aware and cleaning our hands we can help to avoid illness and enjoy the outdoors.”

The HSE has issued national alerts to the public recently because of the increasing numbers of these infections across Ireland, and have offered advice to the public on ways in which they could avoid infection and the importance of good hand-washing practices.

For more information on gastrointestinal infections visit:
https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/gastroenteric/cryptosporidiosis/factsheets/
https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/gastroenteric/vtec/factsheet/

April 28th marks International Workers’ Memorial Day (IWMD). This day aims to commemorate all those who have been killed, injured, or made ill at work and to recommit to safer workplaces. The Irish Congress of Trade Unions is using the slogan ‘Workplace health & safety – it’s your right’.

Workers’ Memorial Day represents an opportunity to remember those we have lost, and to celebrate the contribution of those who continue to work to make us all safer. Stay safe in your workplace, it could be a factory, an office, a farm, a school etc, think about your safety and the safety of others who may be affected by what you do.

 

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces €14 Million Fund to support outdoor adventure activities

 

• Fund to develop recreational activities at mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, beaches and bogs 
• Investment will support Tidal Pools, Floating Boardwalks, Mountain Trails, Forest Walks, Greenways & Blueways
• Focus on supporting adventure activities such as kayaking, mountaineering, surfing, paragliding and outdoor swimming

 

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today opened a called for applications for €14 million in funding for outdoor recreation projects and investment that will support the adventure tourism sector in rural communities.

 

The funding, which is being provided under the Outdoor Recreation and Infrastructure Scheme, will support the key objectives of Our Rural Future – the Government’s ambitious new policy for Rural Ireland.

 

The focus of the funding is to develop rural Ireland’s unique natural amenities and support outdoor pursuits and adventure activities such as hiking/mountaineering, cycling, horse-riding, canoeing/kayaking, swimming, surfing, sailing, rock-climbing, fishing, paragliding and hang-gliding.

 

The fund will provide for significant investment in the development of outdoor trails, walkways, cycleways, blueways, tidal pools, floating boardwalks and bridleways.

 

Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider opportunities to develop recreational amenities and increase public access and enjoyment of rural Ireland’s mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, beaches and bogs.

 

Today’s funding announcement is aimed at supporting outdoor recreation tourism, a growing tourism sector internationally, which has the potential to have major economic spin-off benefits for rural towns and villages as well as improving the health and well-being of rural communities.

 

Launching the Fund today, Minister Humphreys said:

“As part of Our Rural Future, the Government’s ambitious new policy for rural development, I want to see rural Ireland become a destination of choice domestically and internationally for outdoor pursuits and adventure tourism.

 

“The €14m Fund I am announcing today is focused on supporting a wide range of activities and projects for persons of all ages and abilities.

 

“I want to see applications coming forward which seek to develop and improve access to rural Ireland’s unique, natural amenities such as our lakes, rivers and beaches, as well as our forests, mountains and bogs.

 

“Through this Fund, we will invest in the development of forest and mountain trails, tidal pools, floating boardwalks on our lakes and bogs, greenways, blueways, bridleways and much more.

 

“COVID-19 has given us all a renewed appreciation for our great outdoors. Through this fund, I want us to develop our fantastic natural amenities so that people can access them and enjoy them.

 

“Successful projects will also bring significant economic spin off benefits for our rural towns and villages by attracting both domestic and international tourists in the future.”

 

Projects applications will be accepted from Local Authorities under the following Measures:

• Measure 1 for small scale projects requiring funding of up to €20,000,
• Measure 2 for medium scale projects with funding of up to €200,000,
• Measure 3 for large scale projects seeking funding of up to €500,000, and
• Project Development Measure funding of up to €50,000 for development costs for strategic large scale projects.

Also welcoming the funding, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, said:

“Over the last 3 years, Fáilte Ireland has invested €11million to the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, with a further €4million committed for 2021.

 

“Our partnership has helped transform the landscape of Ireland by investing in infrastructure across the country to expand and develop facilities for outdoor recreation activities including walking, cycling, watersports and running.

 

“With 226 projects funded to date in 2021, we look forward to supporting the Department of Community and Rural Development and Fáilte Ireland in developing the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme for 2021. 

 

“With increasing numbers of people participating in outdoor activities, especially during the COVID-19 crisis, the ORIS scheme supports the development of new routes and paths, provides invaluable funding towards improvements, maintenance and upkeep of some of Ireland’s most popular trails.  

 

“These outdoor amenities provide access to healthy, sustainable recreation for locals and visitors alike, while also providing economic benefit for local communities nationwide.”

 

For more information about the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme visit gov.ie.

 

Monaghan PPN Supporting Communities To Stay Connected

Over 50 Community and Voluntary groups from across the county were recently represented as Monaghan Public Participation Network (PPN) hosted its first online networking meeting of 2021. A great mix of groups were in attendance representing social inclusion, environmental and community and voluntary sectors.

Monaghan PPN Resource Manager, Leona Keenan began the meeting by giving an overview of activities to date in 2021, including a consultation workshop on Monaghan County Council Litter Management Plan and a focused workshop on Climate Change. This was followed with examples of some key pieces of work for they year ahead including the establishment of a Migrant Integration Forum, feedback into plans such as the Climate Action Plan 2021 and Monaghan Local Economic and Community Plan, a tailored training progamme and many other capacity building supports for the 580 community groups currently registered with the PPN.

Ms. Keenan also welcomed the launch of “Our Rural Future” and informed everyone Minister Heather Humphreys recognised the important role the PPN has to play as a key stakeholder in the delivery of initiatives from this strategy over the next five years.

Senior Executive Officer Fintan McPhillips Monaghan County Council provided groups with a comprehensive overview of the Clár Funding 2021 currently open and told them “This funding has helped re-energise our rural communities and improves the quality of life for people across the county. The types of funding available include Support for Schools/Community safety measures, Community Recreation areas which includes playgrounds/multi use games areas, barbecues, public toilets and bins and picnic benches/seating, so people can stay connected outdoors and safely and there is a new funding category for 2021 under Community Gardens and Allotments. Only completed online applications will be accepted and closing date is Monday 26^th April at 5pm. Visit www.monaghan.ie for further information and please carefully read the guidelines”.

He informed everyone that two other measures are available under Mobility and Cancer Care Transport and Clár Innovation measure. Applications for these measures can be made directly to Department of Rural and Community Development. Finishing his presentation Fintan said “other funding will be available later in the year such as the Community Grant 2021 and Community Enhancement Grant. That is why being a part of the PPN is so beneficial for groups by being kept up to date with information on all funding opportunities whether it is local or national funding. All of the team in Community Development section are happy to provide support to groups with any queries applying for these funds”.

 

Monaghan County Council Community Development Worker Carol Lambe delivered a presentation on the Council’s proposed County Walking & Cycling Strategy.  The document will influence how the Council supports the development of walking and cycling over the next five years. This will include infrastructure provision for both active travel (commuting) and recreation, and activities to promote the growth of walking and cycling in the county. You can view the Strategy,  and have your say by completing a short survey online, by going to https://gomonaghan.ie/walking-cycling-strategy

The meeting concluded with Leona Keenan PPN Resource Manager, thanking everyone for their continued support to the PPN and that the challenges imposed on everyone by COVID-19, has not stopped the PPN from continuing to deliver on all of its key work plan priorities. She said “ we have embraced this new way of meeting online and this could only be done with the support of the group of volunteers on the Secretariat who manage the work of the PPN, and with the dedication of all of the PPN representatives who are represented on Monaghan County Council decision making committees.  And finally, to all of our member groups who continue to come and show their support at meetings such as this. I look forward to us all meeting in public in the near future”.

To find out more information about Monaghan PPN visit our website www.ppnmonaghan.ie, telephone Leona Keenan at 047 73750 Or follow Monaghan PPN on facebook/twitter.

 

 

 

 

 

More Monaghan householders can now benefit from Irish Water’s free leak repair service following approval by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) to extend the scheme.

In approving Irish Water’s proposals, the CRU recognises the success of the scheme in reducing leakage and safeguarding water supplies.

The First Fix scheme is a key element of the national Leakage Reduction Programme which is addressing the serious problem of leakage in Ireland’s water network. The scheme provides customers with support in identifying and fixing leaks. Irish Water offers a free leak investigation and, when a potential leak has been identified, a free repair to a leak detected on an external supply pipe on the customer’s property.

Since its introduction in 2015, the First Fix scheme has resulted in savings of 155 million litres of water every day, enough water to supply 450,000 homes a year. To date more than 87,000 investigations and 60,400 leak repairs have been completed. The changes approved by the CRU this week will open the scheme to customers who were not included in the original scope, including those without a water meter. As a result up to 600,000 more customers nationwide will now be able to benefit from the service.

Irish Water’s Customer Strategy and Capability Manager Geoffrey Bourke said, “Tackling Ireland’s high rate of leakage is a top priority for Irish Water. We are making steady progress by replacing old water mains, fixing leaks and upgrading our water network as part of the Leakage Reduction Programme.

“The First Fix scheme is an essential tool in tackling the problem of leakage on customers’ property. We welcome the decision to expand the eligibility criteria. Many more customers will now be able to have a leak fixed free of charge and help to conserve our precious water resources. This will benefit everyone by ensuring a more secure and reliable water supply for all. We look forward to working with our customers throughout Ireland as we continue to deliver this important programme.”

Following the completion of the CRU review of the First Fix Free scheme, Irish Water will work with the Regulator and our delivery partners to implement the recommended changes, including:

• Unmetered domestic customers can now avail of the scheme;
• Domestic customers with usage above 213,000 litres per annum will be prioritised for leak investigation under the First Fix Scheme;
• An Internal Stop Valve is no longer needed for a customer to be eligible;
• Some mixed-use customers will now be eligible;
• Properties with a shared service connection will now be eligible; and
• Customers no longer need to be registered with Irish Water to avail of the scheme.

Full details of the First Fix Free scheme can be found at www.water.ie. Our customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1850 278 278 and customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries.

Irish Water is working at this time, with our Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services. Irish Water would like to remind people to follow the HSE COVID-19 advice and ensure frequent handwashing.

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces 24 landmark rural regeneration projects nationwide

• Old Cinemas, Courthouses, Hotels, Convents, and Market Houses to be transformed into remote working hubs, libraries, e-learning, cultural, enterprise and community spaces

 

• Development of pedestrian zones, green areas and outdoor public spaces to breathe new life into town centres

 

• Focus on combatting dereliction, increasing the vibrancy of towns and regenerating iconic town centre buildings with new purpose

 

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced €75million for 24 landmark regeneration projects in rural communities across the country.

 

The funding, which is being provided under the €1Billion Rural Regeneration and Development Fund will support the key objectives of Our Rural Future – the Government’s ambitious new policy for Rural Ireland.

 

A large number of the successful projects provide for the regeneration of vacant town centre buildings as remote working and hot-desking facilities. These projects will support remote workers and commuters to work from and remain in their own local community.

 

Announcing the funding today, Minister Humphreys said:

 

“Just three weeks ago, the Government launched Our Rural Future, the most ambitious and transformational policy for rural development in decades.

 

“Today we are putting that policy firmly into action and delivering major investment aimed at town centre regeneration and supporting remote working.

 

“These projects will breathe new life into towns and villages across the country making them attractive and vibrant places for people to live, work, socialise and raise a family.”

 

Examples of Successful Projects include: 

• €8.78m for Ballybofey-Stranolar, Co. Donegal: Restoration of the old Ritz Cinema Heritage Building into a 1,400sq.m Enterprise and Remote Working Hub.

 

• €6m for Ballymahon, Co. Longford: Renovation of three historic town centre buildings including the vacant former convent building, the old Boys School and the former Dean Egan Library into a Co-Working Space, Youth Hub and a Community Centre.

 

• €4m for Youghal Co. Cork: Derelict site and buildings on the main street to be transformed into a new library, remote learning hub and community space. This town centre project will significantly enhance the character and streetscape in the heart of Youghal.

 

• €2.8m for the Thurles Market Quarter, Co Tipperary:  This project will renovate a 19th Century vacant agriculture building and associated car park to create the new Thurles Market Quarter. The new Quarter will include a designated market space, a multi-functional events space and a Student’s Union and Café.

 

• €2m for Remote Working Hub on Iveragh Peninsula, Co Kerry: This project will deliver a Digital Hub that will provide workspace for up to 50 people on the peninsula. The gteic Hub will provide remote learning and upskilling programmes, support small businesses to develop and expand and provide remote we3edorking space for the surrounding region.

 

• €2.55m for Portumna Courthouse Arts Centre, Co. Galway: After being vacant for two decades, the courthouse will be the site of a new multi-purpose arts, performance, remote working and social space, with the courtyard becoming an outdoor social space.

 

• €8.2m for Cardonagh, Co Donegal: This is a transformational project for the centre of Carndonagh. It will see the regeneration of an old Department Store in the heart of the town-centre to become a new Digital Fabrication Laboratory and Co-Working Hub, deliver a social space for young people and teenagers and also provide a Creative Makers Hub in the town for creative and craft industries. The project also encompasses a new pedestrian street and public realm park, a new demountable canopied area in the Diamond civic space and public realm improvements.

 

• €795,000 for the former Ballyconnell Market House, Co Cavan: This project will renovate and redevelop a heritage building, the former Market House located in the centre of Ballyconnell, into a Community, Remote Working and Tourism Hub. The new hub will help enable the town to capitalise on the natural assets in the area including the UNESCO Marble Arch Caves Geopark and the Shannon Erne Waterway while also providing essential community services, including the provision of remote working facilities and access to education courses and programmes.

 

• €1.9m for Dromahair, Co Leitrim: This project will see the regeneration of an old Hotel building and site in the town centre into a new library, e-learning, cultural and creative hub.

 

• €7.6m for Kinnegad, Co Westmeath: This project will see the regeneration of an old school in the town centre into a community library, remote learning, education and training space. A town park, playground and outdoor events space will be developed adjacent to the building creating an iconic community and civic space in Kinnegad town centre.

 

• €671,377 for Enfield Enterprise Hub: Renovation of a vacant industrial building in the Town Centre into a Community and Enterprise Hub. The project will help to retain talent locally and support co-working in this growing commuter town.

 

• €1.3m for Newbliss Enterprise and Digital Hub, Co Monaghan: This project will deliver the full regeneration and redevelopment of Newbliss Courthouse as an Enterprise and Digital Hub. The Hub will act a key driver for economic recovery, retaining talent locally, creating and supporting jobs, increasing footfall and activity and addressing a long derelict building in the heart of the village.

 

• €2.8m for Omeath, Co Meath: This project will regenerate and revitalise the centre of Omeath providing a pedestrian zone in the village centre and improved linkages to the Great Eastern Greenway. The project will support the development of the village as a stop-off tourist destination on the greenway, increase footfall and support the creation of visitor-focused local businesses.

 

 

Minister Humphreys continued:

“When I launched Our Rural Future, I said I wanted to see innovative and exciting projects coming forward that would make a real and lasting difference in our rural towns and villages – that’s exactly what the projects we are announcing today are about.

 

“It is absolutely clear that Local Authorities and communities across the country have picked up the ball on remote working and ran with it. I am delighted that so many of the successful projects today will see the development of remote working and hot-desking facilities in rural towns and villages.

 

“These projects will not only enable people to live and work in their community but they will also see iconic town centre buildings given a new lease of life and increase football for local businesses.

 

“Supporting the development of remote working facilities in places like Enfield and Carrickmacross will give commuters in those areas the choice to work locally rather than spend hours in traffic each day.

 

“A large number of these projects also include significant public realm works such as developing new pedestrian areas in town centres, creating new green areas and developing new outdoor public spaces for community and cultural events – these projects will help to make our towns attractive, lived in and vibrant places.

 

“Today you are seeing Our Rural Future in action – and this is only the beginning. In the coming weeks, I will be inviting new applications under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and bringing forward an enhanced Town and Village Renewal Scheme which will provide rural communities with more opportunities to make exciting and impactful projects like these a reality.”

 

A full list of the projects funded is available on gov.ie.

 

The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund

The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund was established to deliver on the National Strategic Objective in the National Development Plan 2018-2027 of Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities and will be rolled out over a 10-year period. The Fund is administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

The Fund provides investment to support suitable projects in towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000, and outlying areas, which will deliver on the National Strategic Objective of Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities and achieve sustainable economic and social development in these areas.

Calls for applications to the Fund are sought under two categories. Category 1 relates to projects with all necessary planning and consents in place and are ready to proceed, while Category 2 relates to projects which require further development to become ready for Category 1 status.

The funding for projects announced today relates to the outcome of the third call for Category 1 applications, which closed in December 2020.

The 24 projects announced today are located all across the country and will: deliver town and village regeneration; repurpose derelict, disused or heritage buildings; deliver remote work and enterprise spaces; build or transform libraries; deliver tourism infrastructure; and generally support greater activity, footfall, business and residency in rural towns and villages and their hinterlands.

 

To date, the Fund has provided €243 million for 163 projects across Ireland, worth a total of €326 million.

The Department’s new rural development policy, Our Rural Future, was launched on 29 March.  The policy is the most ambitious and transformational policy for rural development in decades.

 

The funding from the RRDF is provided to further the aims of Our Rural Future, which highlighted the need to build strongly on existing investment and to strive for even greater ambition to achieve significant and rapid progress on the objective of balanced regional development.