Dungarvan is to receive almost €1.4m under the Government’s Rural Regeneration Fund
Green Party TD for Waterford, Marc Ó Cathasaigh, has welcomed this morning’s announcement that Dungarvan is to receive almost €1.4m under the Government’s Rural Regeneration Fund. The project, to develop a Digital Transformation Hub, providing 90 co-working spaces and an incubation, innovation and commercialisation hub, was one of 27 landmark regeneration projects selected under funding provided by the Dept. of Rural and Community Development.
The funding, under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF), is being invested in projects that will rejuvenate town centres, drive economic growth and footfall, combat dereliction, develop pedestrian zones and outdoor spaces and boost tourism in Rural Ireland.
A number of the projects approved for funding involve the re-purposing of old, derelict and historical buildings into modern-day remote working hubs, as well as enterprise, cultural and community facilities. In Dungarvan, the three building to be redeveloped are the Dungarvan Enterprise Centre and 18/19 O’Connell St.
Welcoming the funding, Dep. Ó Cathasaigh said:
“This is a very welcome boost for business and innovation in Dungarvan. We’ve seen work practices change dramatically over the pandemic, with many people relocating from Dublin in particular to take advantage of the lifestyle offering in places like West Waterford. We want them to stay, and investment of this kind will go towards developing the infrastructure that will allow for them to work remotely or to create their own start-ups, contributing hugely to the local economy.”
“We’re beginning to see real joined-up thinking in terms of regional and rural development under the Our Rural Future policy. In Dungarvan, we’ve seen significant investment in public realm and outdoor seating to help businesses through the pandemic. Connecting Ireland will see a number of new bus routes servicing the town and we’re seeing significantly increased investment in our town centres, both for business and for housing.”
“People nationally are waking up to the quality of life on offer here in Waterford. This Digital Transformation Hub is another piece of the jigsaw in terms of attracting people into the west of the county.”
Announcing the funding for the 27 projects, Minister Humphreys said:
“In 2022, we will continue to roll-out unprecedented levels of investment in Rural Ireland – making our towns and villages even better places to live, work, raise a family and run a business.
“Today’s announcement is proof of our strong commitment to supporting our rural communities both economically and socially.
“The projects being invested in represent the huge ambition that underpins ‘Our Rural Future’ and will have a truly transformational impact right across the country.
“When complete, these projects will leave a lasting difference on these locations for generations to come, benefitting tens of thousands of families in Rural Ireland.
