€520k for Kilcullen, Rathangan, Castledermot, Athgarvan, Monasterevin, Derrinturn, Straffan and Ardclough.. 

Kildare South Fine Gael TD Martin Heydon has welcomed funding of €520,000 announced today (Friday) for key projects in several areas in Co Kildare. 

The  assistance is going to Kilcullen, Rathangan, as well as Castledermot, Athgarvan, Monasterevin, Derrinturn, Straffan and Ardclough.  

The Town and Village renewal scheme funding was confirmed today by Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring as part of a €21m allocation around the Country. 

• Ardclough, Athgarvan, Castledermot, Straffan and Derrinturn were allocated €20,000 each for Health Check projects.
• Monasterevin received €20,000 for the repair, upgrade and increased accessibility of two woodland walks.
• At €200,000 Kilcullen and Rathangan are among the highest grants in the country - for the development of their Market Squares. 

“The allocations of €200k for both Kilcullen and Rathangan are significant and will help to enhance community space in both of these towns. 

"I was happy to support these two very worthwhile projects that will have a very significant impact on Kilcullen & Rathangan. I would also like to acknowledge the support of Kildare County Council, in particular Joe Boland, director of services, for supporting both local community groups in preparing the ground for two good applications. 

“The allocation for Kilcullen will go towards an impressive redevelopment of the Market Square beside the Liffey Bridge.  The Kilcullen Community Action (KCA) Group have been working on this for a number of years and the allocation of €200k will be a large contribution towards the overall project.

“The Rathangan project is also towards a redevelopment of the Market Square and has been supported by the Tidy Towns committee working in conjunction with Cllr Mark Stafford.

“Allocations of €20,000 each for health checks in  Athgarvan, Derrinturn, Castledermot, Straffan and Ardclough will help these towns to develop projects for future town and village applications. Monasaterevin has also received €20,000 to repair and upgrade 2 woodland walks.

“The town And Village Grant Scheme, introduced by Government a couple of years ago is having a very positive impact on Kildare’s rural towns & villages. From Monasterevin to Narraghmore, Ballymore Eustace to Athy, Ballitore, Kildare town and Timolin these recent grant allocations are supporting the excellent work of local voluntary community groups. I look forward to working with the community groups of Kilcullen and Rathangan as they progress the development of their respective market squares.

‘Fine Gael recognises the importance of investing and supporting local communities in rural parts of Kildare and around the country. No where is that more evident than with these hugely significant grant allocations to Rathangan & Kilcullen.