Towns and villages benefit from funding

PROPERTY and public amenity areas in Kerry’s towns and villages received a major boost this month following the announcement that €868,000 in funding has been allocated under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. This vital funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development allows for the revitalisation of many towns and villages across the county.

Kerry County Council welcomed the funding with Cathaoirleach Cllr John Sheahan saying: “This is great news for Kerry and is a very welcome investment in community, enterprise, infrastructure and social facilities in the county. In all, 13 projects in towns and villages have been approved for investment which will greatly enhance those areas,” said Cllr Sheahan.

Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell, said that through the Community Support Fund for 2017, the council has been in position to leverage and secure co-funding from other schemes such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

“The council’s adopted budget for 2017 – and the Community Support Fund – are focussed on securing co-funding for projects of economic importance in the county and the type of objectives identified in the Local Economic and Community Plan. This funding will help to drive the revitalisation of many of our towns and villages across the county,” Ms Murrell said.

The villages that will receive the highest amount in funding (€100,000 each) are Ardfert – where public toilets and coach parking facilities are to be provided; and in Ballybunion - where beach toilets and shop units in the village will benefit.