Over €10 million confirmed for two landmark Mayo projects

Funding of over €10 million has been awarded to two landmark rural regeneration projects in Ballinrobe and Newport, it has been confirmed.

The projects are being funded as part of 'Our Rural Future', the government’s ambitious five-year policy for rural development.

The announcement by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, who confirmed funding of €115 million for 23 landmark rural regeneration projects across the country.

Developments in Ballinrobe and Newport have received substantial funding under the RRDF project proposals, one of the largest allocations across the country.

Ballinrobe Community Arts and Amenity Centre has received €4.59 million.

This is a grassroots, community led project which will regenerate the former Valkenburg complex (built in 1820) in the town centre to provide a multi-purpose community facility, cultural and performance space.

This will reinstate a key piece of community and cultural infrastructure back into use for the benefit of society and community in the heart of the town.

Newport Regeneration allocated €5.6 million.

A number of elements will combine to improve and enhance the physical appearance, functioning and amenity value of the town centre.

Public realm works will enhance the streetscape in the town centre including dark skies friendly lighting.

The demolition of derelict buildings will allow the construction of an Enterprise and Tourism Hub, providing potential for sustainable economic activity and job creation.

Announcing the successful projects under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, Minister Humphreys said: “These projects will see long vacant, disused and derelict buildings in our rural towns given a new lease of life and purpose for the 21st century.

“We are all familiar with historic old buildings in our local towns which have lay vacant for far too long. In many cases, these are old courthouses or churches of real historical significance and heritage value.

"These are iconic buildings in our town centres and I don’t want to see them lying idle, falling into disrepair or becoming dilapidated eyesores.

The projects announced today are across two phases – the projects in Phase 1 can be commenced immediately.

The projects in Phase 2 will be delivered based on a timeframe to be agreed with the Department of Rural & Community Development.

This timeframe will be linked to the level of progress achieved on the Phase 1 projects located in the county concerned and on existing projects already funded by the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund in the relevant county.

The announcement has been welcomed by Minister Dara Calleary, Deputy Alan Dillon, Deputy Michael Ring and Senator Lisa Chambers.

Minister Dara Calleary said: "It is wonderful news for the town of Ballinrobe and Newport and I congratulate the people involved in both towns, as well as their elected representatives, in securing this very significant rural regeneration funding."

Deputy Alan Dillon stated: “I believe that it is vital that we continue to build resilience in rural communities and make our towns and villages vibrant places for families to live.

"It is also vital that we continue to strengthen the rural economy and support sustainable development.

"The projects that this fund supports are targeting areas where they can have the greatest economic and social impact."

Deputy Michael Ring stated: “In the case of the Ballinrobe project, his funding of €4,594,600 will be used to regenerate a vacant building (Valkenburg) located on the Main Street in Ballinrobe to provide a multi-purpose community facility, tourism accommodation, conference and meeting facilities and a café.

"The project will contribute to the social and economic regeneration of Ballinrobe by redeveloping a key cultural building for the use of the community”.

“The project for Newport which was allocated €5,653,073 will result in a number of elements combining to improve and enhance the physical appearance, functioning and amenity value of the town centre.

"Public realm works will enhance the streetscape in the town centre including dark skies friendly lighting.

"The demolition of derelict buildings will allow the construction of an Enterprise and Tourism Hub, providing potential for sustainable economic activity and job creation”.

Deputy Michael Ring continued: “Councillor Michael Burke has been in constant contact with me in relation to this ambitious project for Ballinrobe.

"He has carried out tremendous work along with a very hard working committee in bringing this project to fruition. Equally, Councillor Peter Flynn worked tirelessly to support the Newport regeneration project.

“I am delighted to see these two wonderful projects receiving this level of backing and funding. I look forward to seeing these two projects in all their glory when the works are completed."

Senator Chambers stated: "I’m delighted to see this major funding announcement for Ballinrobe of almost €5 million.

“The development will see the regeneration of the former Valkenburg complex as well as an extension of the property and another surrounding property for use as a multi-purpose community facility.

“The community centre will include a hall space which can seat 280 people. A first-floor conference room as well as meeting and hosting facilities for events and activities.

“Nine tourist accommodation rooms will be included as well as a bistro area and a kitchen facility.

“I’ve been working closely with Councillor Damien Ryan who has done huge work on this project and I’m delighted to see that being rewarded with this valuable project for Ballinrobe."