Over €1million handed out to county community projects
THERE were celebrations for a total of 14 Co Wexford groups at The Riverside Park Hotel recently as the 2017 Town and Village Renewal Scheme grants were handed out.
Over €1million in grants was handed out to help with community-led projects across the whole county. The applications submitted were identified by their respective local community groups and businesses, in conjunction with Wexford County Council.
The highest allocation of €100,000 was awarded to Ballycogley Community Development Committee to redevelop the local hall, footpath and carpark; Bree Community Development Group to construct a recreational area, outdoor gym, walking trails and more and Bunclody REDZ Town Team for the fitting out of the Food Hub and the development of looped community walks.
Also receiving €100,000 were Gorey Municipal District Council, Chamber and Education Trust to establish a creative hub and develop tourism; Kiltealy Hall Development group to work on walking trails, a community park and village enhancement; New Ross Municipal District to work on the Medieval Town Wall Walking/Tourist Trail and Newbawn Development Group for the expansion and development of the local hall.
Our Lady’s Island Parish received €98,400 to help with lights, footpaths, playground, outdoor gym and a bird-watching area, while Ballindaggin Development Group received €97,125 towards a community football pitch, walking track, playground and picnic area.
Funding of €80,000 was gratefully received by the Community Section at the Council to work on the Rosslare Harbour Village Centre Action Plan while €60,000 was allocated to the Bridgetown Village Centre Action Plan. €54,000 was granted to complete the Community Business Centre at Kilanerin, while €48,000 was granted for a Biodiversity Recreation Park in Camolin. Finally Foulksmills Tidy Towns was given €20,000 towards the Foulksmills Area Action Plan.
CEO of Wexford County Council, Tom Enright was delighted with the funding granted to Wexford applications.
‘The Town and Village Renewal Scheme will empower local communities in County Wexford and make their voices heard,’ he said.
‘Projects undertaken under the Scheme will help to enhance local services and build better communities by increasing the attractiveness of the town or village as a local commercial and social centre, and as a result increase its sustainability as a place in which to live and work.
The Scheme will also provide for the enhancement of the towns/village environment and amenities in the interests of residents, businesses, and visitor.
A number of our communities will now have the supporting funding necessary to promote their town/village’s potential for tourism and as a centre for culture and local heritage, thus enhancing local people’s sense of identity - physically and socially.’
The Community Department of Wexford County Council is already carrying out preparatory work on the 2018 Town and Village Scheme and looks forward to assisting many other communities throughout the County with the development of more exciting project applications. Contact community@wexfordcoco.ie for further information.