Fingal villages reinforce Covid-19 response with extra EUR 190 000

The new state funding will get projects going in St. Margarets, Balrothery, Rolestown and Lusk

Fingal County Council is a recipient of EUR 190 000 in grants allocated by the Department of Rural and Community Development of the Government of Ireland, fingal.ie reports. The new funding, announced by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphries, will support projects in the villages of St. Margarets, Balrothery and Rolestown and the small town of Lusk.

The latest round of funding under the 2020 Town and Village Renewal Scheme is specifically aimed at bolstering the response to Covid-19 through the development of public spaces and outdoor amenities alongside an emphasis on supporting remote working in rural communities. With the new financial support, the total funding awarded to ten towns and villages in County Fingal amounts to over EUR 422 000.

Improving Internet access

EUR 21 600 will go towards the upgrade of areas selected as Broadband Connection Points in Rolestown and Lusk (Man O War). The aim is to improve internet connectivity and facilitate remote working for the local population.

Focus on walking and cycling

EUR 99 000 awarded to Balrothery village will foster the development of new walking and cycling facilities, together with streetscape improvements. St. Margarets will receive grant aid of EUR 69 525 to develop a new green area and improve village accessibility and conservation of heritage assets.

Welcoming the funding announcement, the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr David Healy, said: “Active Travel is a priority for Fingal County Council so I particularly welcome funding for improved walking and cycling routes. The development of Broadband Connection Points is most welcome and will greatly benefit workers, students and the wider community in these areas”.

Fingal County Council’s Director of Economic, Enterprise, Tourism & Cultural Development, Emer O’Gorman commented that the new funding continues Fingal County Council’s success in securing additional resources for local areas during the coronavirus crisis. He praised the Town & Village Scheme as a vital instrument to stimulate business confidence and help communities become more resilient in these challenging times. Aoife Sheridan, Senior Executive Officer at the same department, used the occasion to thank the community groups who assisted the Council in developing the project applications.