I am thrilled to see almost €2.7 Million for Offaly and €212,332 for Laois under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF).
This funding will see investment in projects that will rejuvenate the town centres of Borris-in-Ossory in Laois and Edenderry and Ferbane in Offaly.
Regenerating our landmark buildings and keeping them in use makes good sense as we prioritise town centres. It’s a crying shame to see them going derelict so I’m delighted to see projects in my constituency included in this funding.
The renovation of Borris-in-Ossory Courthouse for remote working and community use makes perfect sense. The project will develop plans for the renovation and re-use of a prominent, vacant building for the benefit of the local community.
I’m also delighted that Edenderry is to get a new community library, which will provide opportunities for future development of community, leisure and cultural facilities. This project builds on the earlier phase supported by the RRDF. I am so excited to see a bright future unfolding for Edenderry to include digital connectivity, jobs where people live and a vibrant town centre.
And, the vacant secondary school in Ferbane will be developed, along with the reuse of the existing Library and Heritage Centre. This funding will see the development of a multi-purpose community and enterprise hub in the town. This is a direct response to local and regional community needs and by enhancing the economic and employment potential of the town, those most effected by Just Transition will benefit most.
I have long been an advocate of the Town Centre First policy and this kind of investment in our town centres drives economic growth, increases footfall, addresses the issue of dereliction, makes towns safer for active travel and boosts tourism in Rural Ireland.
This Government continues to make unprecedented levels of investment in Rural Ireland, and, as the only Minister in Laois Offaly with a seat at the Cabinet table, I'm delighted to see that continued investment in my rural Constituency.
Read more about the successful projects here gov.ie - Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces €21.5 million for 27 landmark regeneration projects nationwide (www.gov.ie)
