FOUR projects in Donegal have been allocated a total of €897,500 under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
The Gallowglass Community Centre in Milford is to receive €300,000 for refurbishment, restoration and redevelopment to increase accessibility and greater use for all in the community, while €500,000 is being invested in the Drumboe Bowl as part of a phased and ongoing programme of works to develop Castle Gardens in Drumboe Woods in Ballybofey-Stranorlar.
€50,000 is being allocated to develop An Chearnóg, a civic and cultural space in the middle of Carrick, while €47,500 has been earmarked for the Milford Town Regeneration Project for planning and design of the Milford Hotel site.
Welcoming the announcement made by the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue, said: “This is excellent news for Milford, the Twin Towns and Carrick. This allocation of almost €900,000 for four local projects is part of a national investment of €26 million in 116 projects in rural communities across the country.”
“These investments are aimed at rejuvenating our local town centres, driving economic growth and town footfall and combating dereliction and vacancy. This funding will also help develop pedestrian zones and outdoor spaces which can boost tourism locally.
“I thank Minister Calleary and his team for his support for the local projects and I look forward to seeing them getting up and running soon,” the Minister for Sport and Postal Policy added.
Pat the Cope Gallagher has also welcomed the announcement, describing it as “a major boost for community facilities, recreation, and rural development across the county.”
The Donegal Deputy praised the work of Donegal County Council and local community groups in securing these substantial awards.
“These projects will deliver long term benefits for people of all ages. This is a strong vote of confidence in Donegal’s rural towns and villages,” he said.
Today’s announcement sees 77 projects deemed successful under the TVRS ‘Main Scheme’ receiving funding of €24.4 million.
In addition, €1.85 million is being provided for 39 under the TVRS ‘Project Development Measure’.
This measure supports local authorities to develop a pipeline of projects and provides funding towards the costs to bring projects to a point where they are shovel ready.
