The first 100 towns and villages nationwide which will share €2.8 million in funding as part of the government's COVID-19 support package have been announced today.
The July Stimulus Package includes an addition €10 million for towns and villages, €5 million for upgrading and improving community centres and €2 million extra to support the islands.
The Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys today announced the first set of areas which have been approved for funding.
106 towns and villages across the country will benefit from the supports aimed at helping them adapt to the coronavirus pandemic.
Full details of the 106 projects supported under the scheme are available here.
The first tranche of funding announced today under the enhanced Town and Village Renewal Scheme "recognises the need to support rural businesses and communities to rebuild in response to COVID-19".
The initiative will be used to widen footpaths to provide seating for shoppers, provide sheltered areas outside local amenities, enhance community centres to allow for remote working, adapting community spaces, playgrounds and other outdoor areas for social distancing and supporting the establishment of ‘Cycle Cafes’.
Minister Humphreys said: “It is vitally important that we increase footfall in rural towns and villages by supporting them to adapt to this ‘new normal’ as a result of COVID-19.
"This funding will benefit communities by altering the streetscapes so that people can shop, work and socialise safely.
“Local Authorities throughout the country have been developing creative and innovative proposals to increase footfall and assist businesses in our rural towns and villages.
"This tranche of funding announced today is part of an enhanced €25 million Town and Village Scheme which will continue to rejuvenate rural communities across Ireland.
She said further approvals under the scheme will be announced in the coming weeks, with 500 towns and villages expected to be supported this year.
