Funding of €50,000 has been awarded toward the redevelopment of Woodford’s old cinema and courthouse into a community and tourism hub.
The money, which will enable pre-development works on the project, is part of €850,000 allocated under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme this week.
The rejuvenation of the old Woodford courthouse and cinema will progress to the construction stage at a later date, with the aid of further funding.
Galway East TD Ciaran Cannon welcomed the announcement, saying that this is a “sound investment in an extraordinary community”.
A total of 19 projects were awarded €50k each, with the money under the Project Development Measure of the Scheme to help local authorities get projects to a shovel ready state, before applying for further funding.
Announcing the projects this week, Minister Heather Humphreys said that the Town and Village Renewal Scheme is about combating the “scourge” of dereliction and vacancy in rural communities.
“It’s about creating Public Plazas, Green Spaces and Community Parks in the centres of our towns and villages – building on the objectives set out in our Town Centre First strategy.”
“But importantly, it’s also about taking old iconic buildings – the likes of old garda stations, train stations, old factories, cinemas and convents – and giving them a new lease of life.”
This funding is on top of €18.5 million for 99 projects under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme announced last week.
