A funding allocation of €2.6 million has been announced to support the development of various Town Centre First projects.

This funding will enable local authorities to develop a pipeline of significant, well-planned projects in towns across Ireland, with a total of 53 initiatives receiving up to €50,000 each. The funding will cover pre-development works and associated costs, including detailed design, planning, procurement, professional fees, assessments and other development expenses.

Announcing the funding, The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, said: "I'm delighted to announce funding of €2.6 million today which will support Local Authorities and Town Teams to develop a strong pipeline of shovel-ready projects in our local towns. I am announcing funding for a wide range of projects today from the development of green spaces and parks in our town centres to projects which look at how vacant and derelict buildings in our towns can be brought back into use. I look forward to seeing these exciting projects and initiatives progress and make positive impacts for our rural towns and villages."

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Examples of supported projects include:

• The enhancement of a town centre park in Tullow, Co. Carlow , to provide a modern play area with accessible natural paths and family-friendly areas. This support will prepare detailed designs for the park and bring the project through to the planning stage and the preparation of the tender documentation.

• The development of visitor Hub for Mount Errigal in Dunlewey, Co Donegal

• The development of a community hub in Ladysbridge, Co. Cork to service the needs of the locality including childcare facilities and a remote working hub. The support will progress the development of detailed construction drawings and preparatory groundworks for the development of this community facility.

• Pre-development planning for a new town centre plaza in Kinsale, Co Cork

• Prepare a program of works to improve and upgrade the shopfronts on the Main Square in Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick

• Design work to bring the derelict Bridewell Building in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan back into use as a community Hub