Offaly to receive €500,000 for rural projects in Killeigh and Ferbane

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, announced details of the projects that have been approved for funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2023.

The successful projects in Offaly include €250,000 to develop an outdoor area to facilitate a farmers – artisan market and programming space at Killeigh Community Centre. Works will include provision of lighting, footpaths and surfacing, kerbing, market stalls and equipment.

In Ferbane, €250,000 will go towards public realm enhancement works at Fairgreen and the Old Fire Station.

Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick said: “I welcome the announcement of funding under the TVR Scheme for Offaly.

“This funding is about helping communities to adapt to ongoing challenges, and it will help make our towns and villages attractive places to live, work and do business.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the communities who engaged with Offaly County Council in order to prepare these projects as it is evident the partnership approach between the Local Authority and Community groups is working well.”

On hearing the announcement, Offaly County Council, Chief Executive, Anna-Marie Delaney, said “Ferbane and Killeigh are set to benefit from a €500,000 investment today. I would like to congratulate the community groups involved and wish them well on delivering the projects.

“For those groups that were unsuccessful, I ask you to continue to engage with the various sections in Offaly County Council to avail of all opportunities of funding to deliver your projects.”

The 2023 scheme had a renewed focus on town centre economic and social recovery and regeneration, through projects focusing on town centre regeneration, enhancing streetscapes and bringing vacant and derelict buildings back into use as community multi-purpose spaces through refurbishment and renovation.

This year the scheme also included a focus on Town or Village Centre Markets such as Farmers Markets, Open-Air Markets, Local Trader Markets, Artisan Markets and similar projects, in alignment with the Programme for Government.

“It is very important for communities to engage with Offaly County Council in order to prepare future projects.

“Further calls for expression of interest from communities will be advertised in 2024, and Offaly County Council would welcome applications particularly from towns and villages that have created a town/village plan with projects that can be supported under the Town and Village Scheme,” added Ms Delaney.