More than €10.5 million has been allocated and spent in Laois on a range of projects that have been announced over the last week.
€6,357,980 has been paid out to date under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grants Scheme in Laois.
116 property owners who have been approved and have completed the refurbishment works have received their grants, with the average grant paid out in respect of these is 116 refurbishments is €54,810 giving a total of €6,357,980 paid out to date.
The €50,000 grant is available for vacant properties and if it is derelict, there is a top-up of €20,000, giving a total grant of €70,000.
Fianna Fail TD Sean Fleming welcomed the volume of money.
He said: “I appeal to anyone in the county who has a vacant property to consider this grant scheme as it makes it very worthwhile for them to bring the property back into living conditions, either for themselves or to rent.
“The essential work carried out in our communities is reliant on substantial Government investment and I will continue to engage with the Minister to ensure County Laois continues to benefit from strong and reliable funding streams for the future.”
€3,550,000 for Active Travel and Greenways in Laois has also been announced.
€3,000,000 of this will be used towards the development of key active travel in towns and villages making walking and cycling a more viable option for people in our communities and in turn offering safer travelling options for cyclists and pedestrians alike.
Active travel focuses on walking and cycling and is supported by significant Government investment in safer infrastructure like greenways, segregated cycle lanes, new and improved footpaths and also aims to reduce car use for short trips whilst making it a healthier and more sustainable way to move around.
Deputy Fleming said: “I believe this funding is positive as it also designed for people of all ages and abilities, considering those with mobility issues.”
€500,000 funding has also been allocated towards the Bus Stop Enhancement Programme in Laois.
Deputy Fleming added: “As we are all aware the town link and local link buses are a great addition to our villages and towns and are utilised by so many people helping them from connect town to town and within our towns.
“It modernises public transport with consistent and accessible bus stops whilst making better connectivity for our communities.
“This programme aims to provide more bus stops focusing on better shelters, uniform bus poles and better passenger amenities.”
Finally, €50,000 funding has been granted to Laois County Council for the Greenways and National Road Travel project from Abbeyleix to Portlaoise.
This project focuses on creating a high-quality walking and cycling route and is welcomed by all.
Meanwhile, €444,047 has been allocated for the Local Sports Partnership in Laois in light of acknowledging how the organisation provides a range of support to men, women, children and people with disabilities to help them to excel in sport.
The above allocation includes a specific amount of €25,000 to further increase and improve female participation in sport.
“This funding will further enhance the capacity of Local Sports Partnerships in County Laois ensuring communities, particularly those in disadvantaged areas, are supported and empowered through accessible and inclusive programmes.” says the Deputy.
€195,437 has also been allocated for Laois under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and Historic Thatched Building Scheme.
€185,066 is allocated for 15 projects throughout Laois under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and €10,371 is under the Historic Thatched Building Scheme.
The funding will provide vital conservation support, including the restoration and protection of historic buildings across the county, ensuring that important heritage structures can be safeguarded for future generations.
Deputy Fleming said: “This funding is about far more than bricks and mortar.
“It represents an investment in our local history and in the culture and character of our communities.”
Meanwhile €35,165 has been in addition awarded to the Cullohill Group Water Scheme through the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2024 – 2026.
Deputy Fleming said: “This announcement reflects my commitment to fund water provision to rural areas that do have access to Uisce Éireann services.”
SEE ALSO – Significant recognition for Telfords boss Liam McEvoy at Chadwicks awards
