€1.1m funds bonanza
A TOTAL of €1.1 million in Government funding has been allocated to Wexford in the past three weeks.
On July 19 18 childcare facilities from around the county received a total of €163,542.01 while on July 26 Kingfisher Fresh Ltd which is located in the Strandfield Business Park in Drinagh was allocated €436,876.
On the same day €351,250 was allocated to the New Ross river walkway and the Tintern trails under the Rural Recreation Scheme.
On August 1 12 organisations received funding of €153,015.95 for additional childcare spaces while 17 environmental projects received €26,600.
Finally on August 4 two organisations received funding of €23,183 under the Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 20162018 bringing the total funding allocated to Wexford in the past two weeks to €1,154,466.96
Minister Paul Kehoe said that the Government is com- mitted to ensuring that all parts of Ireland share in the economic recovery.
‘Fine Gael is ambitious for Ireland and determined to ensure that our improving economy benefits local communities and service providers.
‘In the last fortnight funding totally €1,154,466.96 has been allocated under a number of funding streams to create additional childcare places, enhance rural amenities, support environmental projects and equip art and cultural groups in Wexford.
‘In comparison to last year the overall funding amount for a number of these schemes was increased, with the majority of the funding being allocated to groups outside of Dublin.
‘By providing vital funding to local community groups and service providers we can support economic development and increase the vibrancy of towns and villages across the county.
‘While there is no doubt that major challenges remain Fine Gael is determined to address them for the benefit of our country and our citizens.
‘Overcoming the impact of significant job losses experienced during the economic crash remains a challenge, particularly here in Wexford, but we are steadfast in our commitment to achieving full employment.
‘While the live register is not a measure of unemployment it is useful in identifying trends and in Wexford that trend is downward. Since the Action Plan for Jobs was launched in February 2012, the number signing on has decreased locally by 37 per cent.’
‘Over the coming months further initiatives aimed at driving further economic growth and investment in local services will be unveiled by the Government in order to meet the needs of citizens for many years to come.
‘This will include the publication of a ten year capital plan in the autumn ensuring investment in the country’s schools, roads, primary care centres and public transport.’