Applications submitted for rural project funding
APPLICATIONS have been submitted for funding for design fees for three schemes under the Rural Development Programme for 2020.
Wicklow County Council Chief Executive Frank Curran told members at their March meeting that applications had been lodged for projects in Rathdrum, Newtownmountkennedy and Blessington.
Funding is being sought for the design fees to develop a new street to the east of the existing Main Street in Rathdrum, for the redevelopment of two gateway sites south of St Saviour’s Church and enhancements to the public realm in the village.
An application was also submitted in relation to proposals for works at the Main Street in Newtownmountkennedy to provide safe access to the centre, a pocket park and the refurbishment of the existing community centre.
The third application was for public realm improvements in Blessington town centre, removal of parking from the square, connections to the proposed Blessington inner relief road, enhancement of the approach road into Blessington and electric charging points for commuters and car poolers.
Cllr Shay Cullen (FG) said while Newtownmountkennedy is ‘one of the fastest growing towns, but unfortunately there is a lack of recreation facilities.’
Sporting and community groups in the area were ‘hamstrung’ due to a lack of facilities. While acknowledging the N11 as a ‘major problem’, Cllr Cullen said over 1,000 homes are being built in the area at the moment.
‘We are building houses but with no facilities or amenities to go along with those. I think there is an onus on us, I do welcome the funding that is being sought and I hope that [it] will be successful... but I do feel that the community groups and all the good work they are doing in the area need our support.’
Mr Curran said the council would look at sports capital and other schemes in relation to Newtownmountkennedy.
Other councillors welcomed the news that applications for funding had been submitted.