HERE are the 82 rural projects allocated total of €20m by Heather Humphreys

Minister Heather Humphreys announced €20m in funding for 82 rural town and village projects across Ireland.

The funding focuses on combating dereliction and repurposing old buildings, with successful projects including public plazas, farmers’ markets, town parks, youth centres, and playgrounds.

The investment is provided under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, emphasizing the revitalization of rural town centres.

Examples of successful projects include developing children’s playgrounds, repurposing old buildings for community use, and creating inclusive town parks, contributing to making rural towns and villages great places to live and work.

Opening the €4m SOLAS Visitor Experience and Tourism Hub for the North Mayo Gaeltacht. in Eachléim the Minister said: “This spectacular project will celebrate that history and enable visitors to learn about the wealth of cultural and natural heritage in this region and facilitate visits to the Blacksod Lighthouse. The SOLAS Visitor Centre will be a regional visitor attraction in its own right. I understand over 2,000 people have already visited this centre since the doors opened a couple of weeks ago. Visitors to SOLAS can also view local craft makers at work and buy products supporting local businesses from this region as well as Gaeltacht regions further afield. This will not only create jobs and generate opportunities, it will also help to transform this region for everyone.”

Carlow:

Carrigduff Bunclody Expansion and upgrade of existing Town Centre Outdoor Recreational Activity Hub, including modern inclusive equipment and increased passive areas for social integration. €249,999
Clonegal Village Enhancement project encompassing paint scheme, signage, community biodiversity project, upgrade of Heritage Centre, public realm upgrades in village furniture, and Wicklow Way Park. €99,216
St Mullins Village enhancements featuring a community park, parking enhancement, paint scheme, signage, and public realm upgrade. €117,000
Tullow Rejuvenation of Tullow town with improvements to Riverfront Amenity Area, St Austin’s Well and Biodiversity Garden, provision of Signage, Virtual Heritage Trail, and a Paint Scheme. €365,940

Cavan:

Ballyconnell Development of an outdoor space at Ballyconnell Market House for public events and markets to increase footfall, dwell time, and economic activity in the town core. €243,145
Ballyhaise Improvement of aesthetics and facilities at Ballyhaise Amenity Park, including upgrades to the gate lodge building and significant improvements to the Amenity Park. €249,942
Shercock Upgrade of an existing hall for improved energy efficiency, enhancement of the streetscape through painting prominent buildings, installation of new signage, and creation of four murals. €250,000

Clare:

Ennistymon Creation of an inclusive, attractive, and vibrant outdoor public square. €495,000
Killaloe Enhancement works to Tobermurragh park to provide the town with a central public green space, rich in history and biodiversity. €225,000
Labasheeda Essential conservation works on a former church building to preserve its character and enable its use as a multi-functional community space. €193,881
Querrin Creation of a permanent venue for the Cottage Market, and repairs and restoration to the historic Farnham Street railings. €221,400

Cork:

Ballydehob Refurbishment of Ballydehob Playground to create a more inclusive play space. €172,712
Blarney Development of a new platform & pathway to Clogheenmilcon Fen Bog, upgrade works to the Community Centre, and drainage and ancillary works on the Waterloo Walking Trail. €324,837
Cape Clear Development of Cape Clear’s first children’s playground ‘Clós Spraoi and Róis Bhuí’ in the North Harbour. €228,355
Kerrypike Tarmacadam surfacing and lighting of tennis courts, parking areas, and walkways at Ballycannon Park, Kerrypike. €152,743
Killeens Enhancing the public realm through additional landscaping, seating benches, bicycle stands, and the installation of a community notice board. €21,600
Lisaviard Upgrade works to the Community Hall roof to prepare for the installation of solar panels. €72,000
Millstreet Purchase of a vacant property at West End for refurbishment into a vibrant community space. €117,000
Tower Preparation of a landscape plan for selected areas and associated undertakings. €67,500

Donegal:

Laghey Development of Laghey Community Park to create a dedicated outdoor recreational amenity and play space. €250,000
Tory Island Improve the thermal performance and accessibility of An Club/Club Soísialta, the main social center on Tory Island. €250,000
Rossnakill Repurpose the existing attic space of Rossnakill Tourism & Activity Centre to provide additional multipurpose rooms such as meeting rooms, education & training rooms, with associated services. €250,000

Dublin:

Rush General refurbishment of Rush Community Centre. €64,350
Skerries Phase 4 of the Development of Floraville Park in Skerries, including Sculpture/play elements, Signage, and ancillary remedial works. €55,800

Galway:

Dunmore Renovation and improved accessibility of Dunmore Community Centre in partnership with Dunmore Community Council. €250,000
Gort Enhancing the street frontage of principal residential and commercial buildings within Gort Town center. €250,000
Maree Renovation and refurbishment of Maree Community Centre. €250,000

Kerry:

Ballybunion Sustainable public realm enhancement works on Main Street in Ballybunion to improve mobility, outdoor dining, and connectivity. €250,000
Dingle Upgrade and enhancement works to the entrance of Dingle Town Park. €191,250
Kenmare Purchase and renovation of the Sisters of St Clare into a community space. €500,000

Kildare:

Calverstown Purchase of a serviced site in the center of Calverstown Village for future development of a community space. €198,000
Kildare town Activation program to establish a successful weekly market aligned with recently introduced market bylaws for Kildare Town Square. €150,000

Kilkenny:

Callan Restoration of the Kings River to enable community activities such as fishing, swimming, and canoeing/kayaking. €247,500
Dunnamaggin Transformation of a community green space into an events amenity. €247,500
Urlingford Phase 2 – Refurbishment of Urlingford Community Centre. €500,000

Laois:

Ballyroan Redevelopment of the old Boys School to include a children’s playground, MUGA, car park facility, public lights, and landscape area. €500,000
Mountrath Regeneration of the town center facility hosting monthly farmers markets, public realm works in the town square, and landscape improvements. €250,000
Rathdowney Streetscape enhancement works in the town center, including upgrades to public lighting. €218,119

Leitrim:

Carrick on Shannon Development of a community/youth arts facility serving all ages and revitalizing a town center building at risk of dereliction. €495,602
Manorhamilton Refurbishment of a vacant property in the center of Manorhamilton into a fully accessible dedicated youth hub. €250,000

Limerick:

Garrienderk Renovation and refurbishment of a derelict property in the village center into a community center and meeting space. €250,000
Kilcornan Accessible community walking trail with lighting, railings, benches, bollards, and a ballsports wall at Kilcornan community fields. €223,805
Rathkeale Facilities upgrade of key community buildings in Rathkeale, including internal works at the community center and building roof repairs for the local youth space. €207,000

Longford:

Ballinalee Creation of a community park through the extension of the existing playground to include sensory play equipment, a walkway, and space for free play. €190,430
Edgeworthstown Renovation of a derelict building acquired under BAM for use as a charity shop and social enterprise. €248,286
Longford Special needs playground and parkland connection to Royal Canal Greenway Spur, Longford Town. €379,170

Louth:

Darver Refurbishment of the community center to transform it into a contemporary, secure, and inviting environment. €79,200
Reaghstown Preservation and enhancement of Aclint Community Hall through external improvements and parking area. €52,963
Tullyallen Establishment of a community-centered hub at the core of the village. €225,000

Mayo:

Balla ‘Raise the Roof’ project to replace the roof of Balla Community Centre. €137,148
Ballycroy Redevelopment of the existing playground by replacing play equipment and play surface to revitalize a central community space. €224,139
Castlebar Restoration of the Order of Malta building for multi-purpose use. €474,145

Meath:

Castletown Refurbishment of an old vacant cottage for community use incorporating a coffee shop. €250,000
Dunderry Refurbishment of Clady Hall, a Community Centre disused for 7 years, to restore its position at the heart of the community. €222,167
Enfield Development and refurbishment of the old parish hall into a community facility for young, diverse communities, bringing back a vacant building into use. €500,000
Kells Transformation of an overgrown plot of land into a sensory, biodiversity-rich garden for learning, relaxation, and contemplation for the whole community. €212,850

Monaghan:

Ballybay Public realm works to enhance the area and streetscape around the Market House in Ballybay. €250,000
Clones Renewing Youth Centre by refurbishing the Clones Youth Centre to enhance infrastructure and community service spaces. €250,000
Scotstown Refurbishment of St. Mary’s Community Hall in Scotstown and surrounding areas, creating a modern, accessible, visually appealing community space. €250,000

Offaly:

Ferbane Creation of a recreational amenity and urban garden in the town center of Ferbane, Phase 2 of the Fairgreen redevelopment. €250,000
Killeigh Development of an outdoor area around the newly refurbished community center to facilitate a farmers/artisan market and programming space. €250,000

Roscommon:

Ballaghaderreen Creation of a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible town park in the center of Ballaghaderreen, offering outdoor recreation opportunities. €499,999
Castleplunkett Regeneration of a central area in Castleplunkett village into a public outdoor space with a nature-based play area and a social meeting point. €250,000
Monksland Development of the second phase of Monksland Central Park to revitalize an area with commercial vacancy and create a vibrant community hub, including a biodiversity area and a tiered seating/amphitheatre. €250,000

Sligo:

Ballymote Enhancement of the town center in Ballymote, including public realm works, Heritage Trail signage, and the development of a heritage exhibition area. €250,000
Culfadda Refurbishment and upgrading of a vacant village-center building in Culfadda, County Sligo, to provide space for a community social enterprise and opportunities for new businesses and local employment. €250,000
Tubbercurry Purchase of two sites within Tubbercurry town center to support the priorities identified in the Town Centre First plan, including a food hub and recreational amenities. €500,000

Tipperary

Carrig, Tipperary Development of Carrig Village Community Recreation Park and Wildlife Haven, along with a pedestrian access bridge over the local river to enhance the local environment. €176,099
Cashel, Tipperary Provide a high-quality Town Park and public amenity in the center of Cashel, including bound gravel walkways, a boardwalk, reinforced grass paths, landscaping, natural play elements, fencing, seating, and signage. €495,000
Tipperary Town, Tipperary Refurbish and provide universal access, including mother & baby facilities at the public toilets in Market Yard, Tipperary Town, catering to the needs of walkers, cyclists, and the community using new and proposed walkways. €250,000

Waterford

Kill, Development of an integrated community park at Kill Community Centre with seating, play and musical equipment, performance area, and ancillary works to enhance community engagement. €243,471
Lemybrien, Development of an interconnected village center with urban green spaces to create health-promoting environments for the community. €214,200
Lismore, Regeneration of a derelict shed within the Lismore Union Workhouse complex into a community facility for Lios Mór Morchuda Men’s Shed, providing a valuable community space. €250,000

Westmeath

Moate, Rejuvenation of the main streets of Moate, including aesthetics overhaul with painting of building facades, seating, shopfront improvements, connectivity enhancements, floral displays, and amenity signage. €180,000
Rathwire, Rejuvenation project for the main street in Rathwire, aiming to create a new village center plaza for the community. €112,356
Streamstown, Provision of additional facilities at Streamstown ‘Old Rail Trail’ amenity and the addition of adult exercise equipment at the playground to promote recreational activities. €214,200

Wexford:

Carrig on Bannow Creation of a recreation amenity in the heart of Carrig on Bannow coastal village, including a playground, sensory garden, pocket woodland, and picnic area adjoining the community center. €247,590
Cushinstown Refurbishment of derelict farm buildings and walled garden into a multi-purpose community facility focusing on crafts, music, horticulture, events, and local markets. €250,000
Rathgarogue Development of a destination park in Rathgarogue village to enable organic food production in allotments/greenhouses for sale in on-site artisan markets. Features include a sensory garden, woodland, village green, marquee, and playground. €500,000

Wicklow:

Kirikee Glenmalure Refurbishment of Kirikee Community Hall including roof and window renovations, remedial work on damp, insulation, and sealing to enhance the community space. €250,000
Lacken Renovation of the old schoolhouse in Lacken, built in 1869, to serve as a community center with a community café, shop, and a small heritage section. €250,000
Wicklow Expansion of the current BMX pump track at the Murrough in Wicklow town into a best-in-class asphalt-covered pump track for all age groups and abilities. €225,000