A scheme aimed at revitalising rural areas hit by the economic downturn has been announced by the Taoiseach and the Environment Minister today.
Known as the Village and Town Renewal Scheme, it will see €30 million provided to local authorities which are to be invested in public amenities, the renovation of derelict buildings and in environmental initiatives that would help to support economic activity.
When asked if €30 million was not a small amount to distribute among the many communities across Ireland that had been affected by the recession, Minister Kelly said that while it cannot be seen as a panacea, he sees the amount increasing over the coming years.
However, Mattie McGrath has termed the scheme as ‘an insultingly cosmetic exercise’, saying that the funding is inadequate.
He noted that last year alone Co. Tipperary saw a loss of more than €15 million to its Leader programmes, the sole of which he said, ‘was to do the very things this scheme is being set up for’.
