Crafty use of €48,000 in funding for art studio

A project in Drogheda has received over €48,000 in Government funding to create a craft studio in the heart of the town.

The Bachelors Lane Craft Studio project will receive the LEADER funding to develop a workshop and studio, behind what used to the Crafty Fox shop in Shop Street.

Other successful projects in Co Louth include the Louth Village Community Centre receiving over €130,000 for the development of the centre, in Blackrock, a Public Promenade Art project will receive €24,000 and finally a pilot bike scheme project delivered through Turas Councelling Services will receive just under €2,500.

Local TD Fergus O’Dowd welcomed the funding from his Fine Gael colleague Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD, for projects that will benefit communities and businesses in the Louth area.

“This funding represents a serious commitment to provide support to local communities whether it be in local activation, creativeness or in economic development,’ he commented.

“In a recent visit to the county by the Minister, Cllr Dolores Minogue and I both pressed the Minister to deliver on his commitments to continue to fund areas of rural populations decrease and local activation.

“I’m delighted to see that this money is now confirmed for delivery and the projects have now been moved by the LEADER Local Action groups to final project approval phase.”

Deputy O’Dowd said it’s also great to see that the Minister’s Department are providing funding in areas such as Drogheda, as the wider benefits of these projects can positively impact so many of our constituents.

Cllr Minogue added she will continue to press home the importance of this strategy.

“We are seeing continued investment by the Minister’s Department in Mid Louth and I would like to congratulate all involved in the projects and everyone who has worked tirelessly on behalf of the Louth Village Community Centre,’ she said.

“The development of this centre will have a huge impact in Louth Village and further afield and it’s a very exciting time for everyone involved.”

Since its launch in 1991, LEADER has provided rural communities, across County Louth, with the resources to enable local partners to actively engage and direct the local development of their area, through a community-led local development (CLLD).

Decisions on LEADER funding are made at a local level by a Local Action Group (LAG),