Restoration work on Hope Castle Gate Lodge is now complete, transforming it into Castleblayney Library.

The project which restored the derelict Hope Castle Gate Lodge received funding of €3.49 million from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF). Monaghan County Council also provided €1.38m to support the transformation.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, opened the new library which is also a state-of-the-art cultural and creative space.

Speaking at the opening, Minister Humphreys said: "I am delighted to officially open the Castleblayney Library project. With the support of over €3.49 million from my Department's Rural Regeneration and Development Fund this project has brought an important heritage building in the town back to life to provide a modern new library, cultural and creative space. This new, accessible public space, will bring increased vibrancy and activity in the town centre and will have significant social and economic benefits for the wider region."

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Minister Humphrey also announced the opening of the Fifth call for Category 1 applications under the RRDF. The funding is available to significant capital projects which have planning in place and are ready to begin construction works. Projects should be ambitious in nature with a minimum funding request of €500,000.

Project proposals under the RRDF should directly deliver on the objectives of the Government's Rural Future and the Town Centre First Policy, in particular, those that help to revitalise our rural towns and villages, driving greater footfall and addressing vacancy and dereliction, as well as projects that will assist in attracting people back to live in rural areas and support economic development.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 pm on 8 February 2024 and applications to the Fund must be led by a State-funded body.