Kilkenny communites get €650k boost from renewal scheme funding

KILKENNY communities have been urged to apply for the 2019 Town and Village Renewal scheme.

The scheme supports the rejuvenation of rural towns and villages with populations of less than 10,000 people through projects that will have a viable, long-term benefit.

Kilkenny has been a major beneficiary under the programme in recent years and Minister and local TD John Paul Phelan said he is hopeful the county will benefit even more next year.

Minister Phelan (pictured below) said: “Since the Town and Village Renewal Scheme was introduced in 2016, almost €53 million has been approved for over 670 projects across the country. These projects cover a range of activities, from improving the public realm, to job-creation initiatives such as the development of enterprise hubs and digital hubs.

“The 2019 scheme which I am announcing will contribute further to the rejuvenation of rural towns and villages across Ireland.”

Five Kilkenny areas shared €650,000 under the initiative last year. The biggest beneficiaries were Thomastown and Inistioge, who received €200,000 each.

In Thomastown, the money was granted to help convert the local community hall into a library with incubation space for businesses to allow them to hot-desk. In Inistioge (pictured above), funding was granted to restore and improve the square and complete works along the River Park.

Other local beneficiaries included Ballyhale and Knocktopher, where €100,000 has been allocated to build a 400-metre footpath with lighting. Castlecomer also received €52,280 from the fund.

Full details of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, along with the Application Form, are available on the Department of Rural and Community Development website, at https://drcd.gov.ie/about/rural/rural-regeneration-development-fund/