Early Christmas presents for The Downs, Milltownpass and Moate

€430,000 funding for communities in north Westmeath

Minister Peter Burke has announced significant funding for communities in The Downs, Milltownpass and Moate this morning.

The funding is further tranche of the Town and Village scheme which prioritises rural community areas for investment. This year, the scheme placed emphasis on projects addressing vacancy and dereliction, regeneration of town centres, parks and green spaces, and remote working, to encourage more people to return to town and village centres to work, shop and socialise.

The Downs has received €224,708 in total for a new sustainable playground, seating area and outdoor gym.

In Milltownpass, there will be a new green space developed in the centre of the village and further investment in the footpath, lights and streetscape to provide a focal point for the community to gather, to the cost of €100,000.

The Moate Action Group have been allocated €112,500 to bring the vacant fire station in the centre of the town back into use as a community building.

Minister Burke said this has been a record year for investment in rural Ireland.

“This funding is timely, and I know well needed within these communities. I met The Downs Community Forum in August of this year and they highlighted the need for a playground and space for local toddlers and children to play in.

“It is a large area and needs such a space as a recreational point for the community, for both parents and children to meet and enjoy some outdoor activity.

“I raised this with the council and met Minister Humphreys on the matter, who also recognised this need as a parent and someone from a rural area.

“They are delighted with this news and looking forward to work getting under way.

“In Moate too, vacant fire station currently serves no purpose, despite being in a key location in the town centre.

“The funding is in line with our Town Centre First Policy, launched in Moate in January of this year, which provides policy on tackling dereliction and vacancy.

“Funding was sanctioned to bring the empty Muilrean building back in to use earlier this year, also in the town centre, so it is really welcome that Moate Action Group will have the funding to take this project on at the fire station.

“Community groups are the backbone of rural towns and villages and the voluntary work they put in to these applications, in collaboration with Westmeath County Council and other bodies, reaps rewards for all residents in their localities.

“Furthermore, €100,000 will go a long way to provide a green space and enhancement works for the centre of Milltownpass. Often our villages centres are devoid of areas for people to meet or take a walk in, and this investment will be welcomed.

“This funding will be well invested in rural towns and villages and will provide amenities for generations to come. The communities here need recreational facilities, focal places for adults and children to gather and socialise in, and I will be lobbying for this level of funding in rural locations to be maintained into the future.”