'Key' local projects receive funding boost
A dog park in Mullingar is one of a number of “key local projects” that additional funding has been secured for by Minister of State Peter Burke.
Other projects that will be benefit from the €200,000 in funding secured from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, include a new cafe on the greenway at Streamstown, a new pedestrian and cycle link at the greenway in Thomastown, the Nancy to Nelly Walk in Fore, and additional Christmas lights for Mullingar.
Minister Burke says that the projects in question are “key” for their communities.
“We have all had another difficult year, and while Government have had difficult decisions to make, it is imperative that we respond to the challenging environment and continue to invest in local amenities to support communities, families and businesses when we are asking them to make huge personal sacrifices.
“...I have allocated Westmeath County Council an additional €30,000 for Christmas lights for installation in our main towns of Mullingar and Athlone. The traders and retailers along with our many hospitality businesses have had another challenging year when it comes to turnover, and I know we are all doing our best to shop local and support them now in their busiest times. The lights make a more positive atmosphere in town and help us get into the Christmas spirit and feel safer when shopping.
“Separately, a Café at the Streamstown Station of the Greenway will now be supported with funding. Outdoor activities play an important part of our lives, and we have seen new cafes pop up to provide refreshments along popular walking routes. The Greenway is a fantastic amenity and the new café at Streamstown will support cyclists and walkers alike. There are brand new publicly funded toilets at the Streamstown old rail station as well as ample parking, and the local Streamstown Tidy Towns Committee have done fantastic work to apply for all available funding to keep the old station site in tip top condition. There will also be a new pedestrian and cycle link for Thomastown, which will be very welcome by the community in Rathwire.
“Athlone Tidy Towns and Festivals group will also receive a grant to support them in carrying out their community work.
“These projects are all small when taken in isolation, but together can give support to our communities and ensure we can get outdoors and feel safe and supported.