Funding boost of €2.5m for five Wexford projects
FIVE projects across Wexford received a funding boost of more than €2.5 million last Thursday.
Ferrycarrig and the Hook Peninsula, Johnstown Castle and Gardens, a New Ross Enterprise Hub, the Market House in Gorey and Esmonde Street in Gorey all received funding under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF).
In total Wexford received €2,598,742 under the scheme.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund aims to revitalise rural Ireland by supporting self-sustaining projects in towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000.
The biggest winner was Ferrycarrig and the Hook Peninsula which received €1,087,270. The project which will be overseen by Wexford County Council will see a cluster of linked projects of significances being developed at three distinct locations throughout the county. These will be developed, delivers, promoted and marketed in a co-ordinated way to meet the requirements of international visitors.
Johnstown Castle and Gardens received €658,696 which will fund the completion of a major upgrade of Johnstown Castle Gardens and the Irish Agricultural Museum. The money will be used to restore the walled gardens, glass- houses and other structures which will then be used as a horticultural training centre. Johnstown Castle already attracts over 50,000 visitors a year and this project will further enhance the amenity as a tourist attraction adding to the tourism opportunities in the region.
The Market House in Gorey was allocated €429,145. This project which will be spearheaded by Wexford County Council will develop a plan to renovate the disused Market House in Gorey and re-purpose it as a multi-purpose arts and performance space.
€328,407 was allocated to the development of an Enterprise Hub in New Ross. This will see a community space, cafe and market area being developed in the centre of the town.
The final project, Esmonde Street in Gorey, received funding of €95,224. This money will be used to plan and design the redevelopment of Esmonde Street to make the area more attractive and a destination in its own right.
Minister Michael Ring, Minister for Rural and Community Development said: ‘ These projects are ambitious and strategic in nature. I believe that it is vital that we continue to build resilience in rural communities and make our towns and villages vibrant places for families to live with a wealth of amenities.’