Four Mayo towns to benefit from extension to streetscape enhancement deadline

THE Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, has extended the deadline for completion of works under the €7 million streetscape enhancement initiative to December 31.

Four Mayo towns are to benefit from the initiative - Ballina, Ballinrobe, Castlebar and Newport.

However, councillors in the county complained last week that the deadline (originally November 10) to complete works was too tight given the poor weather conditions.

Announcing the change, Minister Humphreys said: “There has been a very positive response to the new initiative. This unique initiative is about making our rural towns and villages more attractive and welcoming places for locals and visitors alike. I have no doubt that the works funded will make a big impact on the appearance of our towns and villages.

“Given the challenges faced by many property owners in delivering their projects within the required timeframe, I am pleased to be able to extend the deadline for completion of works until the end of the year.

“I am also providing some further flexibility to local authorities as regards how they manage the scheme locally and report on the outcomes to my department. My department has already been in contact with each local authority to inform them of these changes.”

The initiative is being delivered by the local authorities, with considerable discretion provided to each to design the scheme locally to meet their individual needs.

Initially, councils were required to report back on the delivery of the scheme in November, resulting in some property owners being required to complete works by the end of October. The deadline for completion of works has now been extended to December 31.