Waterford Fine Gael Senator John Cummins has confirmedthat Dunmore East has been included as one of the twenty-six Towns in the second round of the Town Centre First Plan.
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning, Kieran O’Donnell TD have today published the first ever Town Centre First plans for 26 towns across every county which were funded under round one.
The Plans which were developed in consultation with local communities represent the vision of local people for their area and contain proposals for a diverse range of projects such as redeveloping derelict sites, creating community parks and walkways, boosting SME and tourism potential, and protecting historical landmarks.
The Ministers were joined at the Launch by the new Town Regeneration Officers who have been appointed in every Local Authority to drive implementation of the new plans with the support of Government funding through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Town Centre First Heritage Revival (THRIVE) Scheme and the Historic Towns Initiative.
Speaking on this Senator Cummins said: “Town Centre First is all about empowering people to develop a vision for their town, providing an opportunity for everyone to make their town a better place to live, work, invest in and enjoy. I know a huge amount of work has gone into the Portlaw plan by the entire community and I want to compliment all those involved”.
Senator Cummins continued: “Today’s announcement to expand the scheme to a further 26 towns, including Dunmore East demonstrates this Government’s and Fine Gael’s commitment to rural Ireland. These Plans and the new Town Regeneration Officers are about ensuring there is a strategic and coherent approach at local level to tackling vacancy,dereliction in our towns and villages.
Speaking at the launch, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather 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”.
“I am delighted to publish the first ever Town Centre First Plans today and I want to commend the local Communities and Town Teams for their work in developing these comprehensive locally-led plans.
“I am pleased to also announce the next 26 successful towns across the country who we will support with funding of €30,000 each to complete a comprehensive town plan to help develop their town centres.”