€299,600 funding welcomed for Carton Avenue masterplan in Kildare
Minister James Lawless has welcomed the funding for the Carton Avenue amenity lands in Maynooth
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and Kildare North TD James Lawless has welcomed €299,600 in funding for a conservation masterplan for the Carton Avenue amenity lands in Maynooth.
The project is one of 33 local authority-led climate action projects announced by the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O'Brien TD, under the EU Just Transition Fund.
The funding will allow Kildare County Council to prepare a conservation masterplan for the lands, developing the existing park and integrating biodiversity measures.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister Lawless said: "Carton Avenue has served the local community in Maynooth for generations, and it deserves careful planning for its future. This funding gives Kildare County Council the resources to put in place a proper conservation plan. A plan that protects the avenue's heritage and character, makes better use of the park that's already there, and sets aside space for nature.
"I want to thank Minister O'Brien for this investment. The Minister increased the overall fund from €30 million to €36 million because of the quality of projects submitted, and it's great to see Maynooth among those selected. I'd encourage residents and local groups to engage with the council as the plan takes shape."
The START scheme is co-funded by the Government and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund. It is administered by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, with the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly acting as Managing Authority.
Funded projects must help deliver local authority Climate Action Plans.
The Clane-Maynooth and Athy Municipal Districts form part of Ireland's EU Just Transition Territory, alongside counties Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath and Roscommon and parts of Galway and Tipperary.