€15m announced for economic recovery in rural towns and villages

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Groups in Galway have been urged to apply for funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme for 2020.

The €15 million scheme was announced today by Minister Michael Ring and is aimed at aiding economic recovery in rural towns and villages in response to COVID-19.

It constitutes part of a €30 million package for rural development announced earlier this week, which includes the CLÁR Programme.

Announcing the funding, Minister Michael Ring said: “I am pleased to announce the launch of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme for 2020 with funding of €15 million.

“This builds on and complements the funding I announced under the CLÁR programme earlier this week.

“The impact of the Town and Village Scheme can be seen in every corner of Ireland, with over 800 projects approved for funding of almost €68 million since 2016.”

East Galway TD Ciarán Cannon encouraged groups in Galway to apply for funding under the scheme.

“The Town and Village Renewal Scheme provides funding for projects which support East Galway’s towns and villages to be more attractive and sustainable.

“This year it will specifically support projects that aid the economic and social recovery of our towns and villages in response to COVID-19.

“Town and villages in East Galway are at the heart of our economic and social activity and will play a pivotal role once again in providing safe spaces for people to meet and do business as the current restrictions are eased in line with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.

“A new standalone measure under this year’s scheme will provide accelerated support for the region’s towns and villages in to adapt to public health requirements such as social distancing in the short term, and to encourage increased footfall.”