Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, today, Monday 8 June 2026, visited County Waterford to officially open and turn the sod on a series of development projects designed to support regional regeneration and strengthen local communities.

The tour began in Cappoquin, where Minister Calleary officially opened the Cappoquin Railway Bridge Loop Walk, a project funded by the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) to boost local business and tourism. Following this, the Minister inspected two sites under the Cappoquin Town Regeneration and Renewal Project. Backed by €7.2 million from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), this scheme refurbishes vacant and derelict town-centre properties, including the former Moore's Hotel, to create commercial space and residential accommodation.

Speaking in Cappoquin, Minister Calleary said: "I know that this ongoing regeneration, supported by funding from my Department, is having a very positive impact in promoting the town, including instilling confidence in investors to undertake privately funded renovation of buildings.

"As a result of the strategic vision by Waterford Council, its project partners, and targeted Government investment through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, this has helped breathe new life into the town.

"Of course, the work does not end here, and these projects are an example of what can be achieved by supporting and developing our rural towns and villages."

The Minister then travelled to Lismore to officially open a new glamping pod facility at the site of the former Bank of Ireland building. The project received over €121,000 from the Community Recognition Fund (CRF) for the pods and €200,000 from the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) for the property acquisition.

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Opening the glamping pods, Minister Calleary said: "It is a pleasure to be here in Lismore, today and to witness first-hand the impact the Community Recognition Fund and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme have in the delivery of this new Glamping Pod facility.

"This project exemplifies how the various funds my Department operates can collaborate to deliver exciting new amenities to local communities.

"Through thoughtful design focused on inclusivity and sustainability, this project will generate employment opportunities, attract visitors and benefit the wider community for years to come."

In An Rinn, Minister Calleary cut the ribbon on upgraded, accessible changing rooms at Cóbh Heilbhic, funded by a €30,000 ORIS grant to assist swimmers, snorkellers, and divers. He also visited Coláiste na Rinne and turned the sod at Páirc Uí Shíotcháin, where a €283,386 TVRS investment will establish a new community green space featuring a resurfaced car park, lighting, bike stands, picnic spaces, and a coffee dock.

The itinerary also included:

• Lemybrien: The official opening of a public realm project in the village centre.

• Kilrossanty: The opening of infrastructure upgrades at the Mahon Bridge Trailhead to improve access to Crough Wood and the Comeragh Mountains.

• Portlaw: The opening of three new walking trails located at Tower Hill Woods.

In Tramore, the Minister officially opened the KOKORO Visitor and Cultural Centre within the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens. The project was approved for nearly €160,000 in LEADER funding alongside support from the Community Services Programme. The opening was attended by the Japanese Ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Miyagawa Manabu.

Minister Calleary said: "The facility celebrates the life and legacy of Lafcadio Hearn, who spent part of his childhood in Tramore before later settling in Japan, where he became internationally recognised for his writings on Japanese culture and folklore. I am glad my department could support this wonderful facility which acts as a cultural bridge between Ireland and Japan."

On the outskirts of Waterford City, the Minister opened the Brill Family Resource Centre (BFRC). Funded via the Community Centre Investment Fund, the grant supported construction work alongside the creation of a new bakery and cookery school. The cookery school features 12 cooking stations designed to help local families, individuals, disability services, and homeless services develop practical cooking skills and independence.

Next, the Minister visited Carrickphierish Recreation Park, where a €450,000 CRF allocation is funding the design and construction of a new playground, an exercise area, a multi-use games area, new pathways, lighting, and landscaping.

The final stop of the tour was at the Waterford Greenway, where the Minister opened a new pocket recreation area and biodiversity hotspot connecting the SETU West Campus to the Greenway.

Speaking at the Greenway, Minister Calleary said: "By integrating a Greenway rest stop with an educational biodiversity zone, this initiative delivers dual benefits. It promotes outdoor recreation and wellbeing while supporting year-round tourism and local economic activity.

"It is deeply rewarding to see my Department drive meaningful, tangible change in our towns and villages. With the delivery of outstanding projects like this one, I can confidently say we are bringing the vision of Our Rural Future closer to reality than ever before."