A total of €30 million has been secured to revitalise rural towns and villages throughout Ireland from 2016 to 2021, the government has confirmed.

The new scheme aims to improve the living and working environment in rural communities and enhance their potential to support increased economic activity into the future.

Environment Minister Alan Kelly said: "Rural areas make a significant contribution to the production of the natural resources and activities which drive significant elements of national economic life such as through agriculture, food, tourism, construction materials and energy, to mention but a few. Developing and maintaining a vibrant rural economy is therefore, of major national importance as well as of particular interest to the significant communities involved. Rural Ireland will not be abandoned by this Government. Government is committed to implementing a strategy for rural regeneration on the basis of an inclusive approach to sustainable development, the integration of policies, a regional dimension and partnership with the rural community."

-- Advertisement --

(CD/LM)