North Roscommon TD and Minister of State at the Department of Health, Frank Feighan has today, Monday 3rd August, welcomed almost €23k in Covid-19 funding for Keadue.
106 towns and villages across Ireland are to benefit from the fund to help communities to socialise, work and shop safely during the current pandemic.
“I am delighted to confirm, along with my colleague the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humpreys TD that Keadue will receive support in this round of funding.” Minister Feighan said.
€22,764.42 will be used to replace the forecourt at the front of St. Ronan’s Hall, helping them to adapt and ensure the local community will have a safe space to use in light of Covid-19.
“It is important that the government supports small towns and villages to step up to the challenges presented by Covid-19. Today’s announcement for Keadue follows €132,000 Leader funding for renovations announced last year.” Minister Feighan concluded.
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Town and Village Renewal Scheme (€10 million)
The extra funding of €10 million for towns and villages under the July Stimulus Package is in addition to €15 million already ear-marked for the Town and Village Renewal Scheme for 2020.
The approved projects will assist businesses/communities in towns and villages to adapt to the specific challenges posed by COVID-19 (e.g. social distancing) and to increase footfall and generate economic activity in the short-term. These projects have been identified by local community groups and businesses, in conjunction with their Local Authorities.
They include projects that adapt outdoor spaces for social gatherings, dining or the hosting of outdoor events; marketing campaigns to entice people back into towns and villages; investment in developing or improving the online presence of towns and villages; local festivals/events; and public realm/infrastructural enhancements to allow for social distancing and to make towns/villages more welcoming.
Improvements to Community Centres (€5m)
The Programme for Government commits to building stronger and safer communities, and as part of this commits to capital grants, administered through Local Authorities, for the maintenance, improvement and upkeep of community centres. A grant fund of €5m for immediate investment in community centres and community buildings will be utilised in 2020. The once-off scheme will make use of the existing Community Enhancement Programme structures, with funding decisions at local level by LCDCs.
The funding for community centres is in addition to €2m provided by the Department for the Community Enhancement Programme earlier this year.