Laois Minister says he 'worked very hard' to get €40 m projects

Laois Minister of State Seán Fleming says he worked hard to bring €39.5 million Government investment in Laois towns and rural areas, for regeneration and community development, and he promised that more is in the pipeline. 

He said supporting local towns and rural areas in Laois has always been a priority as TD for Laois and Offaly giving examples.

Under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), he said €18.2 million has been allocated for projects in Portlaoise, including a Cultural Quarter, a Low Carbon Town project and Placemaking for Low Carbon Town project.

He said €8.7 million was set aside by this Government for Rural Regeneration and Development (RRDF) for rural towns and villages in Laois. He said this includes the development of Portarlington Market House and Square, The Old Courthouse in Borris-in-Ossory and Durrow Community Enterprise Hub.

The Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs also identified the €7.7 million allocated for the Laois LEADER programme, through Laois Partnership, to support locally led rural development and enterprise projects.

He also flagged the 80 Laois clubs and organisations that have received Sports Capital Programme grants, worth €4.3 million. He added that further funding is due to be announced under this programme in the coming months.

Minister Fleming, who has Government responsibility for International Development and Diaspora, said €541,000 has been allocated for disadvantaged communities in Laois, to develop and enhance local community facilities.

He concluded his list by highlighting that the Government has provided funding of €100,000 for Laois walking trails.

"Since I was appointed Minister of State, €39.5 million funding has been provided to County Laois for very worthwhile projects, which will benefit communities for many years to come," said the Fianna Fáil representative.

"I have worked very hard to ensure that this funding was secured for projects in Laois. I will continue to deliver funding for local projects into the future," said the Castletown-based representative.

Minister Fleming is currently the only Laois-based Fianna Fáil TD.