The government has been focusing on how it can renew and repurpose rural towns and villages.
That's according to local Minister of State, Niamh Smyth.
It comes after €2.1 million in funding has been allocated for development projects in Cavan and Monaghan.
This morning, Minister Dara Calleary announced funding of €26 million for 116 projects in rural communities across the country.
Locally, in Co. Cavan, €899,250 funding has been allocated, while Co. Monaghan has received €1.1 million in funding.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Minister of State Smyth said that rural towns and villages are the embodiment of the community.
She said: "We absolutely value what towns and villages do, they are the embodiment of the community.
"For many many years, we have seen the demise of towns and villages and the government have really focussed on how they can renew, how they can revitalise, and how they can reenergise buildings that maybe have use for their initial purpose. But to see how they can be used, all of this is incredibly important to this government," she added.
