KILTEALY VILLAGE SCHEME LAUNCHED
KILTEALY was buzzing with activity on Sunday, April 14, when the official launch of work carried out in the village under the town and village renewal scheme took place.
The launch was carried out by Minister Paul Kehoe while Bishop Denis Brennan blessed the scheme which was completed in conjunction with Kiltealy Hall Development Group and Wexford County Council.
The Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Willie Kavanagh, spoke in the hall after the formalities and highlighted the significance for rural communities of the work carried out like in Kiltealy.
He said such work is vital to keep rural communities alive and he highlighted the importance of retaining rural villages throughout the county.
Under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) €100,000 was allocated to Kiltealy to carry out a series of enhancement works.
Among the various aspects of the project in the village was the development of a digital and woodwork hub which involved the installation of IT and woodwork equipment to enable training to be undertaken in IT programmes and computerised design with a view to producing bespoke woodwork crafts.
Kiltealy walking trails hub is another aspect of the project which will focus attention on two trails assessed by Sport Ireland: Cullentra walking trail and Ballycrystal trail.
The development of a community park in the village was also part of the project in addition to enhancing the memorial garden in the village centre.
In launching the scheme Minister Kehoe said the work carried out will breath ‘new life into the local community in Kiltealy’.
Expressing delight at being in attendance Minister Kehoe said such schemes are: ‘About making our towns and villages better places for residents and visitors.’
He highlighted that €2.8m has been allocated to Co Wexford under the TVRS to-date and that with the launch of this year’s scheme imminent he encouraged communities across the county to submit applications for funding.
‘It’s a pleasure to get out and meet the people and see the great results of the work they are doing,’ said Minister Kehoe.
He said villages like Kiltealy face challenges but he said there will be opportunities for such areas to develop.
He commented that the launch marked ‘a new chapter’ in the life of the village.
He paid tribute to the Enniscorthy District Manager, Liz Hore, and her team for their instrumental role in guiding the project.
Minister Kehoe also complimented everyone involved directly in the work and said that because of their efforts there was great reason for optimism going forward: ‘With Government funding, the backing of Wexford Co Council, and the strong community spirit that exists here I know Kiltealy has a bright future.’