Parking and town park likely for Delvin as €1m grant announced

What is possibly the largest investment of public funding in Delvin since the handball alley was built has been announced this morning. The sum of €1m has been allocated to Westmeath County Council for the Delvin Regeneration Project, plus €780,804 for the Moate Town Centre Enhancement Project, under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF).

It was announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, TD, and the early responses have come from Minister Peter Burke, Minister Robert Troy, TD, and local councillor David Jones.

Minister Troy said in a statement: “I am delighted that these local projects have been selected from applications to the RRDF. I want to pay tribute to the work of both local committees in putting together comprehensive applications to this fund, and also on their success in delivering a number of projects in the community to date.”

The minister said the projects represent the huge ambition that underpins ‘Our Rural Future’ and will have a transformational impact on the communities.

Cllr Jones (SF) and Cllr Niall Gaffney (FF) worked together on the application, and in his statement Cllr Jones said the funds could go on a potential car park and enterprise hub.

In his statement, he said: “This is brilliant news and over the coming months Westmeath County Council will be negotiating with local landowners and building owners to try draw down this money and purchase an appropriate site.

“This is potentially the largest investment of funding Delvin has seen since the handball alley.

“Cllr Gaffney and I met Westmeath County Council directors and staff a number of months ago to push for an application to be made, and we are delighted to see this announcement this morning.”

He said a number of years ago Delvin Amenity Development Group was formed with a vision for a car park for Delvin and founding members Sharon and David Leavy, Mick Kenny (RIP), and Cllr Jones made expression of interests for a number of years for the project, and we with council and Westmeath Community Development officials to advance their case.

“Thank you to the staff of Westmeath County Council, especially Deirdre Reilly, director of service, Mary Goldsberry, Pat Kavanagh, Annette Barr-Jordan for their work on this application,” said Cllr Jones.

Minister Troy added: “During the summer recess, I met Minister Calleary in Mullingar to discuss support for a number of local projects through his department, including today’s successful RRDF applications. I am pleased to have worked with councillors in each area, Niall Gaffney in Delvin, and Vinny McCormack in Moate to help in securing this funding which will be vital in the future development of both communities.”

Minister Peter Burke said in his statement: “It’s fantastic to see funding for two major projects in Westmeath announced today as part of the RRDF. This funding is part of a €20.5 million package for projects nationwide announced by my colleague Minister for State Jerry Buttimer, following in the steps of former Minister, Heather Humphreys.

“Today’s announcement highlights Fine Gael’s strong commitment to supporting our rural communities both economically and socially. In particular, I’m delighted to see €1m for Delvin, which I believe will greatly benefit all in our community with plans for regeneration of the old bank building and delivering a new community enterprise hub, market space, car parking and town park.

“There’s also good news for Moate with an allocation of €780,000 where the Moate Town Enhancement Project will improve parking, streetscapes, access and landscaping to revitalise the town centre.”

Cllr Niall Gaffney is also "delighted with today's funding announcement".

"It reflects the hard work of the community volunteers and groups, and we particularly remember Mick Kenny (RIP), who put so much time and effort into our village.

"This is a huge investment in Delvin, and seeks to establish a much needed enterprise hub, car park and town park for our area.

"I worked with Cllr Jones and Minister Troy, along with the staff of Westmeath County Council on this project, and it is brilliant to see the application being successful."