Redz funding welcomed for nenagh

Minister for Environment, Community & Local Government Alan Kelly last week announced total funding of €375,000 for Rural Economic Development Projects in Co Tipperary
As well as €150,000 for the Nenagh area, the scheme includes funding for Clonmel (€125,000), Fethard (€25,000) and Tipperary Town (€75,000). Minister Kelly welcomed the funding, which he said would support the further development of tourism and enterprise, and create business opportunities for people living in Co Tipperary.
“I am particularly pleased that the funding will support the fostering economic development and entrepreneurship through the development of natural resources, such as that of the River Suir, and through the establishment of networks to create business opportunities for Tipperary based businesses in the UK market and attract foreign direct investment into the county,” Minister Kelly said.
“I am also delighted that my Department will provide funding for the development of the Tholsel Visitor Centre in Fethard and support the further development of the Ormond Way and Nenagh Arts Centre.  I am also confident that the €75,000 funding, which my Department is making available to the Tipperary Town, will support the implementation of a targeted rural town/village stimulus programme to revitalize the town centre and its hinterland, including expanding local service and trade.
Minister Kelly added that these resources, coupled with the €30 million package for the rural towns and villages renewal scheme announced last week, are just the beginning of a process of rural renewal regeneration. “I look forward to visiting REDZ projects in Tipperary as they come to fruition,” Minister Kelly said.
Tipperary Fine Gael TD also welcomed the REDZ funding, which he said is aimed at boosting employment, tackling rural isolation and helping communities to identify the issues, as well as the solutions. The aim is to support communities to avail of opportunities to help themselves and their local areas.
“I feel that rural communities know best themselves what they need and I hope that this pilot funding will provide much needed resources to communities in Tipperary, to further the economic development of their areas,” Deputy Coonan said.
He further commented: “It is hoped that if this pilot scheme is a success, a call for proposals for a more extensive REDZ initiative, under the LEADER elements of the RDP, will take place next year.
Deputy Coonan concluded: “Fine Gael is keenly aware of the impact the economic downturn has had on towns and villages throughout Ireland and this year we launched the Standing Up for Rural Ireland campaign where our TDs came together to work to advocate on behalf of rural communities to ensure that the economic recovery spreads to all parts of Ireland.
“Other parties talk up the demise of rural Ireland. Fine Gael doesn’t buy into this. Rural Ireland is alive, but it needs support and this Government is committed to supporting it, with actions and funding, rather than just words.”