Vacant buildings across Waterford to be repurposed amid €22 million funding boost
Dungarvan, Tramore, and Waterford city are among those set to receive millions of euro in Government funding
More than €20 million in funding has been announced for regeneration projects in Waterford, under the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund.
Six projects, across the city and county, will receive a combined €22.8 million, as announced by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne.
A total of €7.6 million has been allocated for the conversion of 22 Lady Lane, a vacant Georgian building in Waterford city, into office accommodation.
Three derelict properties in Dungarvan will be repurposed into an Innovation and Business Development Centre, with €7.1 million being granted to Waterford City and County Council for the necessary works.
Dungarvan, Tramore and Waterford’s Integrated Regeneration strategies will each receive €150,000.
Nationwide, €409 million will be available to local authorities if they meet the targets set out in their applications for support.
Commenting on the announcement, Minister Browne said he hopes the funding will help revitalise the towns and cities of Ireland: "I want the centres of our towns and cities to be places people want to hang out in, meet up, do the shopping and live in.
“We have to improve these areas in our towns because not only should they look well, but they should be usable and accessible,” he added, “They should be places where everyone from teenagers to older people feel safe in and want to use, be proud of and enjoy.”
"I wish to commend local authorities for their submissions which reflect their ambition and commitment to the programme. I would also like to thank the community groups and social enterprises who have collaborated with them in creating projects that will have a lasting effect on their locality."
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will now begin contacting local authorities regarding the next steps they need to take to deliver on these initiatives.
The allocation of almost €23 million to projects in Waterford has been widely welcomed.