Community, sports, and refurbishment projects in Connemara are to benefit from a cash injection of up to €348,921 under the Rural Development Programme.
The announcement was made by Minister for Environment, Community, and Local Government, Phil Hogan, on Monday giving sanction for Forum Connemara Ltd to approve funding of €151,880 to Renvyle Sports and Social Complex Ltd to undertake refurbishment works to Marian Hall in Tullyross and a sum of €197,041 to the Rosscahill – Kilannin Community Pavement Committee towards the construction of 2,200m of footpaths along the N56 in Rosscahill.
The LEADER elements of the programme offer many challenges and opportunities in terms of addressing the needs of improving the quality of life in rural areas and providing greater opportunities for farm diversification. It is focused on the development of micro-enterprises, rural services, rural recreation, and rural tourism. It is hoped that, by focusing on these services, the programme will lead to sustainable development, which in turn will ensure prosperity for the rural areas.
Commenting on the funding, Minister Hogan said: “The project will now go back to the board of Forum Connemara Ltd for the final approval. This is in line with the EU’s ‘bottom-up’ approach to rural development.”
