Mayo secures €250,000 to help create new public spaces

Two Mayo TDs have welcomed the announcement that a new funding scheme has been launched to help local authorities to open-up and create public spaces dedicated to the arts, culture and festivals.

The Outdoor Public Space Scheme will allow for funding of up to €250,000 for Mayo County Council with a funding rate of up to 90% of the cost of the projects.

The funding was announced by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin.

Deputy Alan Dillon said: "The scheme includes an expectation that Mayo County Council will consult with Fáilte Ireland so there should also be added tourism potential from these projects.”

“I hope to see applications being submitted as soon as possible so it may be possible for some works to commence before the summer months.”

Stated Deputy Dara Calleary: “This specifically proposed that local authorities provide artistic spaces, to improve wellbeing and that can provide year-round use.

“I am strongly encouraging Mayo County Council to embrace this scheme and to submit suitable applications that will offer a new way of delivering support to the arts, culture and entertainment sectors that have suffered greatly during the pandemic."