Kildare must get its fair share of grants for towns and villages

Fianna Fail TD, Frank O’Rourke has demanded that Kildare must get its fair share of the €20m Town and Village Renewal Scheme Government Initiative announced by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys.

The politician said that Kildare is often left out of the debate about the challenges that rural Ireland experience due to its proximity to Dublin.

He explained: "As I know from my clinics, in Johnstownbridge, Derrinturn, Carbury, Prosperous, Clane and Kilcock, Kildare has rural Ireland challenges as well and we must fight for increased resources for our rural communities.”

“Kildare Co Co is required to advertise for expressions of interest from towns/villages in Kildare before the end of April. It will then select up to 15 proposals, that support rural regeneration, for development into detailed applications to be submitted to the Department by the end of June.”

“Projects which have clear positive economic impacts on the town/village will be given priority. The scheme is specifically targeted at rural towns and villages with populations of less than 10,000. Applications from towns can range from €20,000 to a maximum of €100,000.”

“I want to encourage groups in our towns and villages to consider that would benefit their community. I am available to assist in any way that I can and I will be pressing the Minister to ensure that Kildare secures its fair share on the €20m allocation.” Concluded Deputy O’Rourke, who welcomed the Government’s Initiative.