Phil Hogan, TD, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has announced that he has given sanction to Forum Connemara to approve funding of up to €175,676.47 to Brigit’s Garden for the further development of a sustainable garden inspired by Celtic folklore in Rossachill, Co Galway.

This funding, provided under the Encouragement of Tourism Activity measure of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013 will provide the necessary financial support to allow for the expansion of this innovative tourist business in rural Co Galway. The project centers around 4 formal gardens fashioned on the Celtic Seasons of Samhain, Imbolc, Bealtaine and Lughnasa as well as areas of woodland, wild meadow and other natural habitats.

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Announcing the funding Minister Hogan said: "Brigit's Garden is an innovative and interesting project that is not only a significant tourist attraction in the Connemara area and provides employment for 7.5 fulltime equivalent positions but is also an important education, heritage and community resource. The financial support provided by the RDP will allow for further development that will increase the employment potential of the business as well as enhancing the visitor experience and improving the sustainability and viability of the business going forward. This kind of entrepreneurial sprit is critical for the future development of enterprise ideas in Ireland using the vast natural resources available particularly in rural areas and I encourage anyone with an innovative enterprise idea to contact the Local Development Company in their areas."

The LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme offer and will continue to offer significant financial resources to rural communities and entrepreneurs going forward. With a budget of €96 million for 2012 it is critically important that rural entrepreneurs all over Ireland continue to harness their energies in order to avail of the resources and further develop all aspects of their businesses.

The Minister added: "This project will now go back to the Board of Forum Connemara for the final approval. This is in line with the EU's "bottom-up" approach to rural development."

(CD/GK)