Lashing the cash, turning sods, opening roads...
IN THE run-up to Friday’s elections, the Government has announced a spate of grants for projects across the country. Here are just a few of the recent announcements:
THE BIG...
MAY 9: Taoiseach Enda Kenny turns the sod on the Gort to Tuam M17/M18 motorway project, costing €550m, which he promises will boost the local economy, remove several bottlenecks and create 450 jobs.
MAY 12: Environment Minister Phil Hogan announces a €250m funding package as part of the annual Leader rural development programme. Submissions will be accepted by the department later this year.
MAY 13: Junior Minister Brian and Dublin MEP candidate Hayes welcomes the allocation of €22m for commemorating the 1916 Rising. The money will be spent on projects at the GPO, National Archives, National Concert Hall, Kilmainham Courthouse and Gaol, and the Military Archives.
MAY 14: The Cabinet signs off on the allocation of €30m towards the €70m redevelopment of Cork GAA stadium Páirc Uí Chaoimh, as pictured below left. The generous allocation forms part of a €200m stimulus package announced by the Government and is immediately welcomed by former GAA president and Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly.
... AND THE SMALL
MAY 7: Junior Minister Alan Kelly officially opens the new €800,000 Oldbridge boardwalk and cycle path near Drogheda
MAY 8: Minister Michael Ring opens new fitness centre at Mullingar Shamrocks and launches a new sprint track at Mullingar Harriers Athletic Club. • Phil Hogan opens the newly refurbished Granard Market House and Community Library in Longford, which was granted €500,000 in State aid. • Junior Minister Alex White opens new €10m primary care centre in Athlone.
MAY 9: Minister Leo Varadkar opens new €6m Garrycastle Bridge in Athlone and hints at upcoming local funding for a cycleway. • Phil Hogan opens Cavan Burren Interpretive Centre, which got €900,000 in State aid.
MAY 10: Taoiseach Enda Kenny opens phase one of the new Castlebar Town Park at a cost of over €950,000 and pledges support for new music centre in the town. • Taoiseach opens the Swinford Old Railway Station and Library, which cost €2m. • Taoiseach opens a new autistic unit at Newport Primary School. • Health Minister James Reilly visits Midlands Regional Hospital in Mullingar and gives assurance on €25m upgrade.
MAY 12: Taoiseach, pictured below with Chloe Donnellan from Cliffoney, Sligo, pledges €500,000 for Yeats’ commemoration. • Taoiseach turns the sod for new €4.5m North West Regional Science Park. • Taoiseach opens school building at Knocknamona, Letterkenny. • Minister Reilly announces new €5m endoscopy department at Roscommon County Hospital, where the emergency department was closed down in 2011.
May 14: Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore officially opens Coláiste na hInse in Bettystown, Co. Meath, which is up and running since 2008.
May 16: Minister Jimmy Deenihan turns sod on Ard Curam Day Care’s new facility for the elderly at Listowel Community Hospital.