Minister of State Michael Ring. Photo: Alison Laredo

Mayo town and village renewal scheme announced

FUNDING of €380,000 will be made available to Mayo County Council this year to support the regeneration of rural towns and villages across Mayo, Michael Ring, Minister of State for Regional Economic Development, has announced.

The allocation of €380,000, he said, represents a significant increase on the initial proposed allocations for this scheme, and reflects the government’s determination to breathe life back into our rural towns and villages.

Commented Minister Ring: “For rural communities to thrive, we need our towns and villages to thrive. I would hope that this scheme, which will be administered through Mayo County Council, can make a real and lasting impact in revitalising Mayo’s rural towns and villages.

I look forward to seeing the results of closer collaboration between our local authority, local businesses and local communities over the coming months.”

The Town and Village Renewal scheme is part of the government’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of economic recovery are felt in every part of the country. The scheme also addresses one of the recommendations in the CEDRA report, which was published in 2014.

A particular focus will be placed in 2016 on supporting smaller towns, with populations of less than 5,000. A smaller number of projects can be supported in each county for towns with a population of up to 10,000.