Cork North West benefits hugely from Fund:
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International Mountain Biking Trails (Including the Ballyhoura Mountains) – €10,262,900
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Banteer Community Sportsfield – €1,128,000
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Ballydesmond Village Development Plan – €56,250
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Coláiste Íosagáin Campus Masterplan- €201,000
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A total of €12,351,343 in capital funding has been allocated by the Government to Cork County for rural regeneration and development projects, according to North Cork Fine Gael Councillor John Paul O’Shea.
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.
Cllr. O’Shea said: “This is Project Ireland 2040 delivering for rural Ireland with capital funding for projects that will make a real difference to people living in County Cork.
“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 bitter 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 County Cork is part of a national package of €62m announced today (Thursday) 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,” Cllr. O’ Shea said.
Under Category 1, which is for shovel ready projects, the following have been allocated funds:
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Banteer Community Sportsfield – €1,128,000; This project will provide a major upgrade of recreational and commercial facilities available in Banteer, contributing to the amenity and economic development of the area. It includes: A multi-purpose Astro turf pitch and spectator area and sports pavilion; It will also include a museum/exhibitor area, Café, Shop, Car park, and a communal area for events all year round.
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International Mountain Biking Trails (Including the Ballyhoura Mountains) – €10,262,900: This flagship national project will develop international standard Mountain Biking Trails which will provide recreational, health and tourism benefits. The locations include: Slieve Bloom (Offaly & Laois); Collaney (Sligo); Ballyhoura (Limerick & Cork); Ticknock/Ballinastoe (Wicklow & Dublin)
Under Category 2, which is seed funding for projects with potential, the following have been allocated funds:
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Rathcormac Strategy for Development – €122,025: Led by Avondhu Blackwater Partnership CLG, a suite of design, heritage and employment studies and design initiatives will be developed to bring forward some of the key actions identified in the Strategy for Development
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Ballydesmond Village Development Plan – €56,250: Cork County Council will develop a plan to improve service infrastructure, foster Health and community wellness, assist economic development and contribute to economic viability in the village.
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Digital Innovation Hub Strategy – €206,168: Cork County Council will create a unique Rural Digital Innovation Hub strategy and pipeline implementation strategy.
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Anne’s Grove House & Gardens – €375,000: OPW will complete a development plan for the House and Gardens together with funding that will progress several elements of the plan to planning permission and statutory consents stage.
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Coláiste Íosagáin Campus Masterplan- €201,000: Udarás na Gaeltachta will complete an overall Coláiste Íosagáin Campus masterplan which will set out the economic, planning and environmental case for the re-purposing of the building structure and the surrounding area.
“The announcement today, 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.”
Minister Michael 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.
“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.
The Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD, said: “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 the Minister Ring in congratulating the successful projects announced today.”
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