€12.6m for three Louth projects 'game changer' funding
€12.6m funding for three projects in Louth has been described as a 'game changer' by Louth Fianna Fáil TD Erin McGreehan, and a huge boost to Dundalk and Drogheda by Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly
News that €12.65 million in funding has been allocated to Louth County Council for three projects in Dundalk and Drogheda, from the €409 million Towns and Cities ‘Regeneration Investment Fund’, has been described by Fianna Fáil TD Erin McGreehan as a 'game changer', while Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly described the funding as “a huge boost to Dundalk and Drogheda”.
The funding allocation for Louth County Council sees €5 million earmarked for the St Nicholas Quarter for the third phase of the regeneration project in the north end of Dundalk, as well as €150,000 for a Park Street/Francis Street Regeneration Feasability Study, and €7.5 million for Westgate 2040 in Drogheda.
The new Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund, which replaces the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, will support almost 120 projects across every local authority in the State, with more than €400 million in investment available.
The programme will fund projects including the redevelopment of vacant and underused sites, public realm improvements and community and civic infrastructure.
It will support the Town Centre First policy, with a particular focus on regeneration in disadvantaged areas and on strengthening towns and cities as places to live, work and spend time.
Speaking following the announcement, Deputy McGreehan said: “I am extremely pleased to see this level of funding coming for Louth. This has the potential to be a game changer for the projects involved and for the communities they serve.
“I have been delighted to work with and support these projects, and this announcement represents a major vote of confidence in their plans and in the future of our area.
“This investment will help unlock regeneration, support new development and make a difference for the people who live, work and raise their families in these communities.
“I want to thank Minister James Browne for his work in delivering this funding and, importantly, for understanding the potential these projects have and the significant impact this investment can have on the wider area.”
Welcoming the funding announcement, Louth Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly said that it “is a huge boost to Dundalk and Drogheda, which are places we all want to be able to congregate in, whether it’s to go shopping, meet friends or family or just visit to absorb the daily activity.
“Today’s announcement highlights Fine Gael’s strong commitment to supporting our communities both economically and socially.
“We all want to see regeneration in our own communities and to provide spaces that are safe and attractive for people from all generations to gather and enjoy.
“Across the country this funding will drive economic growth, increase town footfall, combat dereliction, develop community and civic infrastructure and I want to pay tribute to Louth County Council for their submissions and also to our local community groups and social enterprises who worked with them to devise projects that will benefit everyone living and working here.
“When complete, these projects will leave a lasting difference in Louth and will help to continue to make our towns and cities great places to live, work and raise a family,”