Minister Dara Calleary confirms investment of €7.6 million for Mayo town
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, has today confirmed that Ballina is to receive over €7.6 million in funding from the new Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund programme.
The announcement, made today by Minister for Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, represents a total investment of over €400 million for almost 120 projects across every local authority in the country.
Speaking today, Minister Calleary said: “I’m absolutely thrilled with funding announced today for the Quay in Ballina and I want to thank my colleague, James Brown, for coming to Mayo to make this announcement. I have long championed this project because I know that the Quay in Ballina is one of Ballina and north Mayo’s prize assets with massive potential.
“This project is going to truly transform the area. The Quay has long been a key focal point for those involved in water sports, local recreation and as a draw for visitors who wish to explore the River Moy and the north Mayo coastline."
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, said: "I want the centre of our towns and cities to be places people want to hang out in, meet up, do the shopping as well as live in. We have to improve these areas because not only should they look well, but they should be used by our communities and also feel safe.
"I wish to commend local authorities for their submissions which reflect their ambition and commitment to the programme. I would also like to thank the community groups and social enterprises who have collaborated with them in creating projects that will have a lasting effect on their locality."
With almost 120 projects across every local authority in the State, this new Government investment will fund transformative town and city regeneration projects. Projects prioritised include the redevelopment of vacant or underused sites, public realm enhancements, and community and civic infrastructure.
The fund will support policies such as Town Centre First and seek to focus funding in the most disadvantaged areas of our towns and cities. A total investment of over €400m is available if local authorities can meet the targets set out in their applications for support.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will now begin contacting local authorities regarding the next steps they need to take to deliver on this ambition.
Concluding his remarks, Minister Calleary said: “I am very excited to watch this project progress in the coming months. The funding will provide for new boating and water sports facilities; new toilets and changing areas; the refurbishment of the Kennedy Glasgow Centre; the extension of commercial units and installation of landscaping and pedestrian crossings."
Welcoming the news, Minister of State Alan Dillon said: “This funding is a huge boost to Ballina which is somewhere we all want to be able to congregate in, whether it’s to go shopping, meet friends or family or just visit to absorb the daily activity.
“Today’s announcement highlights the government's strong commitment to supporting our communities both economically and socially.
“We all want to see regeneration in our own communities and to provide spaces that are safe and attractive for people from all generations to gather and enjoy.
“Across the country this funding will drive economic growth, increase town footfall, combat dereliction, develop community and civic infrastructure and I want to pay tribute to Mayo County Council for their submissions and also to our local community groups and social enterprises who worked with them to devise projects that will benefit everyone living and working here.
“When complete, these projects will leave a lasting difference in Ballina, and will help to continue to make our towns and cities great places to live, work and raise a family,” concluded Minister Dillon.