Laois County Council has been urged to apply for funding for projects to help revitalise towns and villages after Covid-19.
The call was made by Laois/Offaly TD Charlie Flanagan recently.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, announced on Monday that €15 million would be made available through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
Deputy Flanagan said: I’m delighted that my colleague, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has made this funding available to help rural communities in across the unit- making them more attractive places to live, work, socialise and raise a family.
“The initiative is a key part of Our Rural Future – the Government’s five year strategy to revitalise rural Ireland.
“The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is administered through Laois & Offaly County Councils which is required to work with local communities and businesses to develop and implement proposals.
“I would therefore encourage the local authorities to submit their project ideas to make a positive and long-lasting impact on our towns and villages.”
Measures that will be supported by the 2021 Town and Village Renewal Scheme include: Tackling dereliction in town centres; Turning vacant properties into remote working and community spaces; Supporting County Councils to run innovative marketing campaigns targeted at attracting remote workers to our county; Investing in green spaces, parks and recreational amenities; Upgrading and improving shop fronts & streetscapes on Main Streets; Projects that support and enhance the night time economy and add vibrancy to town centres
Mr Flanagan said: “Applications for funding are submitted to the Department of Rural & Community Development through the local authority and the closing date for the submission of applications is 16th July 2021.
“The previous maximum grant of €200,000 has been increased to €500,000 under this year’s scheme so that projects of scale can be supported.”
SEE ALSO – Gardai hit out at ‘anti-social’ behaviour at popular Laois tourist location – Laois Today
