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ERDF Grant Assistance to Local Authority Capital Works
(L-R) Minister Heather Humphreys, Minister of State Paudie Coffey, Minister Alan Kelly and Minister Paschal Donohoe taking questions at today's press conference
The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government today announced the proposed local authority capital projects around Ireland that have been approved for European Regional Development Fund grants for sustainable urban development under the Designated Urban Centres Grants Scheme 2014 – 2020.
Funding under the Scheme will enable project investments in Irish urban centres of the order of €127 million over the period to 2020 of which €40 million will be funded from the ERDF with matching funding from the relevant local authorities.
This ERDF co-funded grants scheme seeks specifically to increase the number of integrated regeneration initiatives to improve the urban environment and revitalise Irish urban areas.
Environment, Community and Local Government Minister Alan Kelly said:
There is a strong correlation between healthy and vibrant urban centres and the creation of an attractive environment and enterprise development within the wider region. Strong urban centres enable their regions to realise their potential in attractiveness for business investment, for Foreign Direct Investment for tourism and creating conducive and attractive locations for investment and for people to live and work in.
Minister Heather Humphreys said:
Projects funded by this scheme will enhance the architectural heritage of our cities and towns, encourage sustainable development and revitalise our urban historic areas. Most importantly, this scheme will also help to improve the quality of life of the communities that live, work and socialise in our urban centres.
Ireland has a wealth of historic urban areas; this scheme will help to ensure that they thrive into the future by stimulating heritage-led regeneration while adding to the long-term sustainable development of towns and cities.
Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe added:
We’ve seen a significant growth in the numbers cycling over the past few years due to the continued investment in cycling infrastructure by my Department, the National Transport Authority and local authorities. The measures announced today will see that growth continue.
The commitment to funding urban regeneration also ties in neatly with my responsibilities for tourism as these funds will make these towns and cities more attractive not only to live and work in but to visit.
See the full list of funded projects here.