Phil Hogan, TD, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, has announced that he has given sanction to County Kildare Leader Partnership to approve funding of €427,242 to The ACRE Project, an eco-friendly community resource building and amenity-based facility in Celbridge, Co Kildare.

The funding is being provided under the Basic Services for the Economy and Rural Population measure of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013.

Minister Hogan said: "I am delighted that the Rural Development Programme is in a position to support this project, which will be of immense benefit to Celbridge and North Kildare. It will provide learning and development opportunities, with an eco-friendly and horticultural focus, to meet the needs of community groups in the area.

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"It will give the community of North Kildare a much needed facility which will provide opportunities for the development of the social and creative skills of young people, including those experiencing learning and social difficulties. I know it will improve the quality of life and will strengthen the social and economic fabric for all the inhabitants of the area."

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/JP)