Press Statement
Kieran O’Donnell TD
Limerick City Constituency
Wednesday 5th May 2021
Limerick City and County Council can apply for funding to help Limerick towns and villages post-Covid – O’Donnell
Limerick City and County Council can apply for funding for projects to help revitalise Limerick towns and villages after Covid-19, Limerick Fine Gael TD Kieran O’Donnell has said.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, announced on Monday (May 3rd) €15 million to be made available through The Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
Deputy O’Donnell 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 Limerick- making them more attractive places to live, work, socialise and raise a family.
“This initiative is particularly about Local Authorities engaging with stakeholders; including community groups, local businesses and property owners on our main streets in putting forward collaborative projects to upgrade shop fronts, establish remote working hubs, enhance our streetscapes and the provision of community & recreational amenities.
“As part of this process, I would encourage all stakeholders to make direct contact with Limerick City & County Council on projects they wish to have considered under this Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
“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 Limerick City and County Council which is required to work with local communities and businesses to develop and implement proposals.
“As they have previously successfully done, I again look forward to Limerick City and County Council submitting 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 Limerick City and County Council 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
“Applications for funding are submitted to the Department of Rural & Community Development through Limerick City and County Council and the closing date for the submission of applications is 16th July 2021,” Deputy O’Donnell concluded.
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.
Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said: “The focus of this year’s scheme is to renovate derelict and vacant buildings in our town centres and give them a new purpose – whether it is for remote working, cultural or community use. I have increased the maximum grant to €500,000 this year so that projects of scale and ambition can be put forward.
“I also want to see Local Authorities engaging with local businesses and property owners on our main streets and putting forward collaborative projects to upgrade shop fronts and enhance our streetscapes.
“Support is also available for murals in our town centres, perhaps dedicated to local cultural or sporting personalities and events. This is all about adding colour and vibrancy to our towns and villages making them more attractive places to live, work in and visit,” Minister Humphreys concluded.
Ends