Monaghan County Council has welcomed the investment of €8.4 million towards the RESTART project under the PEACEPLUS programme.
The project will see significant strategic investment in the towns of Newtownbutler, Clones and Belturbet.
It has been designed collaboratively to enable these rural communities to thrive and reach their full economic, social and environmental potential.
The project includes infrastructure investment across key sites in the three towns of Newtownbutler, Clones and Belturbet.
The proposal for the development of the former PSNI Station site in Newtownbutler includes light industrial workspace units, community gym and a multipurpose space for wellbeing activities.
In Clones, it is proposed that further works will be undertaken at the Canal Stores site to include the redevelopment of the former Canal workers cottage to extend the meals on wheels service, and provision of additional multipurpose meeting and community space that can also be used to provide services for the soon to be developed Marina adjacent to the site.
In Belturbet, a new community hub is planned within the town centre. The proposal will see the development of community resource hub facility with meeting rooms, a large multiuse and events space and rentable offices/workspace.
Robert Burns, Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council said: "The Rural Regeneration and Social Inclusion Programme aims to promote social, economic, and environmental initiatives that strengthen and revitalise rural communities. The RESTART Project represents a significant opportunity for County Monaghan and surrounding areas, driving greater social inclusion while supporting the development of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities across our rural landscape."
