€4.5 Million Package Announced by Minister Humphreys to Revitalize Rural Towns and Villages
In Brief:
- The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, announced a substantial €4.5 million funding package on February 7, 2024. The investment aims to support rural towns and villages, with up to €50,000 allocated through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme for community projects.
- In a strategic move, additional funding will be provided to projects in the northwest, recognizing their unique challenges. Towns with populations under 10,000 will receive up to €30,000 to develop Town Center First Plans, promoting viability and attractiveness.
- As part of a broader initiative, a new support fund will be established to create “town teams” nationwide. Comprising local residents, business owners, and stakeholders, these teams will receive funding of up to €10,000 to empower communities, generate investment, and enhance overall living standards.
In a significant move to boost the prosperity of rural communities, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, unveiled today a substantial funding package totaling €4.5 million. This announcement, made on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, marks a commitment to supporting the sustainable development of rural towns and villages.
The focal point of this funding initiative is the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, which will see investments of up to €50,000 in projects aimed at rejuvenating rural areas. Minister Humphreys emphasized the intention to breathe new life into these communities, fostering growth and resilience.
In a noteworthy acknowledgement of the distinct challenges faced by counties in the northwest, additional funding will be allocated to projects submitted by this region. This strategic approach reflects a commitment to addressing the specific needs of communities in the northwest.
Furthermore, towns across the country will have the opportunity to access funding, with up to €30,000 earmarked for the development of Town Center First (TCF) plans.
These comprehensive plans encompass 33 distinct actions designed to enhance the viability and attractiveness of rural towns, making them more conducive to living and working.
As part of a broader set of measures, a new support fund is set to be established to foster the creation of “town teams” nationwide. Comprising local residents, business owners, community representatives, and various stakeholders, these teams will play a pivotal role in community development.
Minister Humphreys emphasized the significance of empowering communities to realize their vision, providing the essential tools and support to generate investment, attract tourism, and improve overall living standards.
This initiative will particularly target rural towns with a population of under 10,000 people, recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities within these smaller communities.
“This is about empowering our communities to realize their vision. It’s about giving them the tools and supports they need to generate investment, attract tourism and, above all, become better places to live, work, and raise a family,” Minister Humphreys stated.
These measures build upon the government’s commitment outlined in the Town Center First Policy launched in 2022, signalling a continued dedication to fostering the growth and sustainability of rural communities.
