Deputy Martin Heydon has welcomed confirmation of funding of €416,000 in town and village renewal funding for 5 towns and villages in Kildare. The amounts were confirmed by Minister for Rural Development Michael Ring today.
“Projects submitted by groups from Narraghmore, Ballymore Eustace, Athy, Monasterevin and Ardclough were all successful today meaning projects generated in these towns and villages can now proceed bringing economic activity and development to the areas.
“The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is an important part of Fine Gael’s work to rejuvenate and revitalise rural Ireland and should have a significant impact on towns and villages across the country.
“Here in Kildare we placed a particular emphasis this year on projects which have the capacity to support the economic development of rural town and villages as well as their neighbouring townlands.
“I want to express my appreciation to the community groups who worked on these projects to bring them to this stage and to thank Kildare County Council for their efforts and co-operation in engaging with local and business communities to identify these projects.
“The Ballymore Eustace proposal prepared by the town’s active Community Development Association is to fund a 5km looped walking trail at Golden Falls to make greater use of the wonderful amenities and natural beauty in that area.
“Narraghmore Development Association plan to redevelop the former hardware store in the village to create a space for use by the community as a form of country market and community shop with space for other uses such as a men’s shed and theatre.
“Monasterevin Community Centre Ltd plan to refurbish the community centre (CYMS HALL) to provide additional accommodation to serve as a multi-purpose facility to accommodate digital/ business hub/ meeting rooms, training, back stage facility and a visitors centre. This is part 1 of a 4 part project which will add value and accelerate the growth of all types of business’ in the town of Monasterevin.
“The Athy funding will go towards a CCTV scheme managed by Athy Enterprise Centre to enhance safety in the town.