Gorey Guardian

Funding boost of €2.5m for five Wexford projects

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FIVE projects across Wexford received a funding boost of more than €2.5 million last Thursday.

Ferrycarri­g and the Hook Peninsula, Johnstown Castle and Gardens, a New Ross Enterprise Hub, the Market House in Gorey and Esmonde Street in Gorey all received funding under the Rural Regenerati­on and Developmen­t Fund (RRDF).

In total Wexford received €2,598,742 under the scheme.

The Rural Regenerati­on and Developmen­t Fund aims to revitalise rural Ireland by supporting self-sustaining projects in towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000.

The biggest winner was Ferrycarri­g and the Hook Peninsula which received €1,087,270. The project which will be overseen by Wexford County Council will see a cluster of linked projects of significan­ces being developed at three distinct locations throughout the county. These will be developed, delivers, promoted and marketed in a co-ordinated way to meet the requiremen­ts of internatio­nal visitors.

Johnstown Castle and Gardens received €658,696 which will fund the completion of a major upgrade of Johnstown Castle Gardens and the Irish Agricultur­al Museum. The money will be used to restore the walled gardens, glass- houses and other structures which will then be used as a horticultu­ral training centre. Johnstown Castle already attracts over 50,000 visitors a year and this project will further enhance the amenity as a tourist attraction adding to the tourism opportunit­ies in the region.

The Market House in Gorey was allocated €429,145. This project which will be spearheade­d by Wexford County Council will develop a plan to renovate the disused Market House in Gorey and re-purpose it as a multi-purpose arts and performanc­e space.

€328,407 was allocated to the developmen­t of an Enterprise Hub in New Ross. This will see a community space, cafe and market area being developed in the centre of the town.

The final project, Esmonde Street in Gorey, received funding of €95,224. This money will be used to plan and design the redevelopm­ent of Esmonde Street to make the area more attractive and a destinatio­n in its own right.

Minister Michael Ring, Minister for Rural and Community Developmen­t said: ‘These projects are ambitious and strategic in nature. I believe that it is vital that we continue to build resilience in rural communitie­s and make our towns and villages vibrant places for families to live with a wealth of amenities.’

 ??  ?? Over €1 million has been allocated to Ferrycarri­g and the Hook Peninsula (above).
Over €1 million has been allocated to Ferrycarri­g and the Hook Peninsula (above).

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