The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys has today announced funding of over €4.5 million to tackle dereliction and vacancy in Rural Ireland.
The investment, under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, will see 24 old and derelict buildings repurposed for 21st century community use. Among the projects that will be revamped under the initiative include: Former Garda Stations, Schools, Post Offices, Parish Halls, Restaurants, Public Houses and Vacant Sites.
Local projects to benefit include, in Belturbet the former Bakery on Main Street for use as a community space. in Ballyconnell a detached 2 storey house with outbuildings and a garden to the rear of the property for use as a multi-purpose community space. While in Emyvale a former bar and living accommodation for use as a multi-purpose community space has been successful under this funding announcement.
Announcing the details today, Minister Humphreys says the initiative is all about giving our local communities the tools to address the challenges of vacancy and dereliction in their towns and villages. She said through this funding, we are taking those run-down buildings and turning them into facilities that will benefit communities for many generations to come.
