Local TD welcomes funding of almost €100,000 for two Kilkenny projects

Two local projects in Callan and Paulstown will receive funding today of €49,950 each under the Governments Town Centre First Projects according to local TD John McGuinness.

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys T.D., has today announced funding of €2.6 million to support the development of a wide range of Town Centre First projects. This funding will assist local authorities in creating a pipeline of significant, well-developed projects in local towns across Ireland.

The two Kilkenny projects are part of 53 projects nationwide that will be supported with up to €50,000 of funding per project. This funding will support pre-development works for projects and support costs including detailed design, planning, procurement, professional fees, assessments and other development costs.

Welcoming the news, Deputy John McGuinness said, “this is very positive news for Kilkenny with significant funding allocated to these worthy projects.

“In Callan, the funding of almost €50,000 will help develop plans to establish an outdoor classroom community space in Abbey Field and examine the re-development of a derelict cottage in Moate Field and complete biodiversity studies on both sites.

“In Paulstown, the same level of funding will be used to complete feasibility and design studies for the creation of a centre point in the village,consisting of an open public green space with seating and leisure facilities. This will redevelop the village centre and provide accessibility between the main street and residential areas,” said Deputy John McGuinness.

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said: “I’m delighted to announce funding of €2.6 million today which will support Local Authorities and Town Teams to develop a strong pipeline of shovel-ready projects in our local towns.

“I am announcing funding for a wide range of projects today from the development of green spaces and parks in our town centres to projects which look at how vacant and derelict building in our towns can be brought back into use.

“I look forward to seeing these exciting projects and initiatives progress and make positive impacts for our rural towns and villages”.