Frank O’Rourke TD has stated that the Government has neglected Kildare in its Town and Village Renewal Scheme, as it has only secured a fraction of the funding available.
Frank pointed out that the Government announced over €21 million in funding under the 2017 Town and Village Renewal Scheme, but Kildare has only secured €416k, the third lowest allocation in the country.
Frank said, “As I said in April when this scheme was advertised, counties like Kildare are often left out of the debate about the challenges that rural Ireland experience. As I know from my clinics, in Johnstownbridge, Derrinturn, Carbury, Newtown, Prosperous, Clane, Ardclough and Kilcock, Kildare has rural Ireland challenges as well. We must fight for increased resources for our rural communities in Kildare.”
“The recession had a severe impact on many smaller towns in Kildare. As we recover, it is important that Kildare secures its fair share of resources under schemes, such as the Town and Village Renewal scheme.”
“Ardclough is only village in Kildare North that has received funding. Ardclough Multicultural and Craft educational centre will receive €76,680.00, and this is a welcome development.”
“However, many other towns in North Kildare merits consideration for funding under this scheme. This Government has totally neglected these towns.”
“In recent years, I have worked with many community and business groups in relation to Shop Front / Town Centre Improvement Grant Scheme with Kildare Co Co. We have seen the benefits of this scheme for many towns in the county and Kildare deserved better treatment from this Government under the town and Village Renewal scheme,” concluded Deputy O’Rourke.