Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has announced that he has given sanction for Ballyhoura Development Ltd to approve funding of €200,000.00 for the restoration of Coote Memorial Hall, at Kilmallock, Co Limerick under the Village and Countryside Renewal measure of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013.

Announcing the funding Minister Hogan said: "This project will be of immense benefit to Kilmallock with its total project costs of 266,000.00. Coote Memorial Hall, a protected structure, is currently derelict and unused and the proposed works will protect and restore this historic building. The proposed project will ensure that Coote Hall is developed and utilised in a sustainable manner by, and for the good of, the community. The facility will be developed as a community resource offering capacity building and training for the community of Kilmallock and the wider Ballyhoura area. I know it will improve the quality of life and will strengthen the social and economic fabric for all the areas inhabitants."

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The LEADER elements of the Programme offer many challenges and opportunities in terms of addressing the needs of improving the quality of life in rural areas and providing greater opportunities for farm diversification. It is focused on the development of micro-enterprises, rural services, rural recreation and rural tourism. It is hoped that, by focusing on these services, the Programme will lead to sustainable development, which in turn will ensure prosperity for the rural areas.

(CD)