A total of 26 rural towns; including one in Co. Tipperary, have been approved for a scheme which will see a million euros spend on tackling dereliction and creating new community spaces.
The Town Centre First (TCF) initiative aims to enable areas to pursue projects like redeveloping a derelict site; creating a community park; a river walkways; boosting tourism or protecting an existing historical landmark.
Sadly, this latter funding was not available to save the Great Famine, Mill Road, Double Ditch, same allowed to be destroyed by Tipperary Co. Council, and their officials, led by Chief Executive, Mr Joe MacGrath.
Note Well: The following commitments, posted on the Tipperary Co. Council website have since been deliberately deleted; but not before being read by thousands of Tipperary and world wide readers. SEE HERE.
E.G. “The aim of the plan is to connect the citizens of Tipperary to their heritage and to make it an integral part of everyday life at the core of our communities” – Fianna Fáil Cllr. Siobhán Ambrose, Tipperary County Council.“Our heritage is a precious asset and one we must look after. Part of looking after it is to raise awareness of what it is and its value to us as citizens of Tipperary.” – Fianna Fáil Cllr. Roger Kennedy, Tipperary Heritage Forum.
Same should be remembered by their electorate, prior to next local election due this year.
These new towns join 26 others, one in each county, whose final action plans were published by Minister for Rural and Community Development Ms Heather Humphreys and Minister of State for Local Government Mr Kieran O’Donnell, today.
The named town situated in Co. Tipperary is Carrick-on-Suir.
Ms Humphreys stated that the scheme is about empowering people, to develop a vision for their town, thus making it a better place to reside, work, invest in and enjoy. New town regeneration officers will ensure that the projects on vacancy, will have a strategic and coherent approach at local level. Although it is unlikely that local people will have any say in how this limited funding is used.
Ms Humphreys said “Government is firmly committed to strategic projects that will transform rural Ireland, such as under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, and we are already seeing the hugely positive impacts of investment right across the country. It is very welcome that the Department of Rural and Community Development is giving local authorities funding of up to €10,000 to establish new town teams or build up existing teams”.
The 26 successful named towns will receive €30,000 each to complete their redevelopment plan. The Town Centre First initiative is also designed to increase housing supply, by bringing vacant buildings back into residential use.
The programme’s national co-ordinator, Ms Mairead Hunt said it is hoped that many more town teams will come forward.
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