Fine Gael Senator Maura Hopkins has welcomed the Town and Village Renewal Scheme which was launched earlier this week by the Minister for Regional, Rural, Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphries TD.
Senator Hopkins said, “As Government spokesperson in the Seanad with responsibility for Regional and Rural development I am very happy that this Fine Gael Government is prioritising the development of our regional economies.
She continued, “The grants will cover up to 85% of the cost of a project, each council will be required to engage with local businesses and communities to develop and implement projects which can have a real and lasting impact on our towns.
“The engagement of a local community where possible is a key priority for me and I am happy the Minister has included this measure in the scheme. Town Teams have been formed in many towns across our region and they must now be the key drivers of these projects along with other relevant stakeholders. The scheme will focus on developments to increase the attractiveness of our town and villages as social and commercial centres, places where people not just live but also work.”
Maura Hopkins concluded by saying “As Seanad spokesperson with responsibility for Regional and Rural development, I intend to prioritise regional economies, this Renewal Scheme is just the start of our work to ensure that all the regions feel the benefit of the economic recovery.”