I am delighted that Abbeyleix in Co. Laois, and Clara in Co. Offaly are to benefit from €100,000 Streetscape Enhancement funding from the Department Rural and Community Development.

The purpose of this Scheme is to reinvigorate our towns and villages and make them more attractive places to live, work or visit. This grant will provide retailers and property owners with funds that they can use to improve the facades of their buildings, carry out artwork or install features such as street furniture or canopies.

The grant is administered by the Local Authority and businesses, property owners and retailers are encouraged to apply to their Local Authority to avail of the funding.

This funding is an example of the continued investment in towns and villages across the country. Schemes like this one and the Town Centres First and Croí Conaithe Policies are all measures, brought in by this Government, to make our towns and villages more vibrant and ultimately bring people back to them.

Making the announcement, Minister Humphreys said: “When I announced this initiative last year, there was a hugely positive reaction from businesses and retailers. I’m therefore delighted to announce 26 additional towns that will benefit from €2.6 million in funding from my Department."

It is great to see this investment in Abbeyleix - I know that this funding will be put to good use there. In December last, Clara received €100,000 to develop its own unique master plan. This further funding is another example of the continued investment that is available for a proactive community like in Clara. I look forward to seeing the results of this funding in both towns.