€2 Million Boost for Thomastown

Yesterday the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Deputy Michael Ring, T.D. announced the allocation of €62 million to 66 projects across the country as part of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund under Project Ireland 2040. One of those projects receiving funding, of over €2 million, is the Thomastown Regeneration proposal put forward by the Community Section of Kilkenny County Council in conjunction with a number of local community groups, Kilkenny Leader Partnership and the Design and Craft Council of Ireland.

The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund aims to revitalise rural Ireland by supporting self-sustaining projects in towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000.

Cllr Peter 'Chap' Cleere, Mayor of the Municipal District of Kilkenny City, welcomed the allocation of over €2 million of funding saying that it will "greatly enhance the vibrancy and creativity of the town. Thomastown is a busy county town with many active groups and individuals working locally to keep that trademark vibrancy and creativity to the fore and this money will help in a real way."

The funding allocation will be put to use in refurbishing two town centre buildings that have fallen into disrepair. These included the large building adjacent to the Community Centre which is to be renovated for use by the library services and community and The Sessions House which has been vacant for many years and will be transformed for use as an Arts and Creativity centre. Both of these buildings are town centre landmarks and are extremely significant for Thomastown. The funding received will now allow Kilkenny County Council, in partnership with the community, to progress plans for refurbishment and subsequent re-use of these important buildings bringing valuable services and facilities into the town centre.

The funding provided will also enable public realm works to Lowe Street, Logan Street and the Quay side car park.

Welcoming the Ministers announcement Mary Mulholland, Director of Services with Kilkenny County Council pointed out the valuable contribution that this funding will make to the fabric of Thomastown and in particular its town centre. Ms. Mulholland said that "The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund is a real demonstration of the principals of Project Ireland 2040 to revitalise county towns with significant investment and we will now start work to ensure the delivery of these projects for Thomastown."

Queries: Please contact Mary Mulholland mary.mulholland@kilkennycoco.ie

 

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