€318,112 in Just Transition funding for improvements to park in Offaly
Tony McCormack welcomes investment in Offaly projects as it passes €6.1 million
FIANNA Fáil TD for Offaly Tony McCormack has welcomed the allocation of €318,112 in Just Transition funding for further improvements to Shannon Bank Park in Banagher, home to the popular outdoor swimming pool.
The funding was announced by Minister Darragh O’Brien as part of a €36 million investment in 33 projects across the Midlands under the EU Just Transition Fund START Scheme, supported by the Irish Government and the European Union.
Although the Shannon Bank Park project is being funded through Galway County Council, it directly benefits Banagher and brings the total funding announced for projects benefiting Offaly to €6,162,228.
The investment will support solar panels and battery storage, energy efficiency upgrades to existing facilities, improved accessible parking, bicycle parking, biodiversity enhancements and outdoor learning facilities.
Welcoming the announcement, Deputy McCormack said: "This is great news for Banagher and the wider community. Shannon Bank Park and the outdoor swimming pool are fantastic local amenities, and this additional investment will help improve the facilities for everyone who uses them.
"The reopening of the outdoor swimming pool was a tremendous achievement for the community, and it is great to see further investment being secured for the park.
"While this particular allocation is coming through Galway County Council, it is an investment that directly benefits Banagher. When we include this funding alongside the other projects announced this week, the total investment benefiting Offaly comes to over €6.1 million.
"Offaly played a major role in powering Ireland for generations, and it is only right that our communities continue to benefit from the Just Transition Fund.
"I want to congratulate everyone involved in developing and maintaining Shannon Bank Park and acknowledge Minister Darragh O’Brien and Galway County Council for their work in progressing this investment.
"Banagher has a wonderful location on the River Shannon, and continued investment in facilities like this will make the town an even more attractive place to live and visit."
The announcement also includes €4.9 million for Tullamore Leisure Centre, €324,664 for Tullamore Library, €264,825 for geothermal feasibility studies in Tullamore, €250,000 for the Church Hill Climate Park feasibility study and €100,000 for a proposed transport hub at Tullamore Train Station.
The selected projects will now proceed to grant agreement negotiations before funding is finalised.