Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
105. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on thefunding allocated and works undertaken in Bagenalstown, County Carlow under the Streetscape Enhancement Initiative. [28284/23]
View answerThe Streetscape Enhancement Measure was introduced in 2021 as part of the commitment under Our Rural Future, Ireland's rural development policy
The Measure is delivered under the umbrella of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, and aims to improve the visual appearance of our urban streetscapes, which will bring about growth and increase confidence in our towns and villages. In line with the Government's Town Centre First Policy, such investment will help make rural towns across the country more attractive places in which to live, work and visit.
Under the 2022 Streetscape Enhancement Measure €2.6 million was made available to improve the visual appearance of our towns and villages. Since its introduction in 2021, €361,801 has been allocated to Carlow County Council.
In 2021, €261,801 was allocated to Carlow County Council for the towns of Tullow, Rathvilly, Leighlinbridge and Bagenalstown. Of this, €85,056.98 was paid to Carlow County Council for works carried out on 28 premises in Bagenalstown. Works included repainting shop fronts, school wall enhancement, and the inclusion of new signage and an awning to improve the visual appearance of Bagenalstown. All elements of these projects have been completed.
The 2022 scheme invited local authorities to prioritise one town or village which would benefit from the Streetscape Enhancement Measure. Bagenalstown was selected by Carlow County Council to benefit from this funding.
Carlow County Council was allocated €100,000 to transform the visual appearance of a range of premises within the town of Bagenalstown. Works to be carried out include green enhancements, painting, decluttering, repairs to shopfronts and the replacement of signage. Local authorities have until 31st August 2023 to have works under the scheme completed and until 30th September 2023 to have all documentation submitted to the Department for the drawdown of funds.
