Sum of €450,000 provided for the refurbishment of Altamont House and Gardens
Brilliant!
€450,000 in capital funding has been allocated by the Government to Carlow for rural regeneration and development projects, a Fine Gael TD has said.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund is a key component of Project Ireland 2040, which is the Government’s plan for balanced regional development across the country.
Under Category 2, which is seed funding for projects with potential: Altamont House and Gardens Ballon has been allocated €450,000 in funds to develop a scheme to refurbish Altamont House and Gardens.
Deputy Pat Deering said: "This is Project Ireland 2040 delivering for rural Ireland with capital funding for a project that will make a difference to people living in and visiting Carlow.
"Contrary to what opposition politicians may have been trying to claim in recent days, Fine Gael is committed to balanced regional development through major capital projects.
"As demonstrated yet again today, funding, such as this which is a key component of Project Ireland 2040, is clearly available for the Government’s commitment to this region and investment will continue.
"Any suggestions otherwise are poor attempts to distract from the good ongoing work of Fine Gael in Government. Where other parties failed, Fine Gael delivers.
"The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund supports measures to rejuvenate communities, create employment and transform rural economies.
"The funding for Carlow is part of a national package of €62m announced this week by my colleague the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring.
"Project Ireland 2040 places strong priority on strengthening rural economies and communities. It promotes balanced regional development and ensures that opportunity is shared across the whole country.
"The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund is a key component of Project Ireland 2040,” Deputy Deering said.
"The announcement, following on from the first announcement last year, means that to date, 84 projects have been allocated a total of €86 million funding for rural regeneration and development.
"This will be leveraged with a further €31 million in matched funding being provided by state-funded bodies. This represents a total investment of €117 million in projects, which will deliver for rural communities across the country," he added.
Minister Ring said: "This fund is a clear demonstration of Project Ireland 2040 in action and is further evidence of this Government’s commitment to rural communities.
"These investments will have a transformative effect on many rural towns, villages and outlying areas.
"These projects are ambitious and strategic in nature. The funding will transform communities by delivering projects in sectors such as tourism, agri-food and recreation. After today, every county in the country will be benefitting from the Rural Fund."
Deputy Deering added: "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.
"It is also particularly appropriate, with Brexit approaching, that we continue to strengthen the rural economy and support sustainable development.
"The projects that this fund supports are targeting areas where they can have the greatest economic and social impact.
"This funding will support job creation and encourage entrepreneurship. It also promotes balanced regional development and ensures that opportunity is shared across the whole country.
"Through the Project Ireland 2040 Funds and Regional Enterprise Plans we now have a range of sustainable supports available that can deliver for all citizens. I would like to join Minister Ring in congratulating the successful projects announced."