Two projects in County Roscommon are set to benefit following confirmation of €1,767,519 in funding under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund, announced last week by Minister Heather Humphreys.
As part of the funding, €1,207,144 will go towards the development of the €1.5 million
Monksland Community Hub as part of the ‘Putting the heart into Monksland’ project. A further €560,375 will be used for the regeneration of Strokestown in order to revitalise the Roscommon town.
Reacting to the announcement in recent days, Independent TD Denis Naughten said the project would address vacancy in Strokestown while improving links between the town and Strokestown Park House.
“This funding is to complement previous rounds of Government funding of over €6 million for Strokestown itself, Strokestown Park House as well as developments on the local Mount Dillon Bog Complex,” he said.
Deputy Naughten praised the continued efforts of Strokestown Town Team and Roscommon County Council and said the funding would “help towns and villages across our area to reinvent themselves with the long-term objective of making them better places in which to live and to invest”.
Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy also welcomed the funding and said both Strokestown and Monksland would benefit significantly.
“While a lot of work would have to be done between Roscommon County Council and the communities concerned, huge positivity has been created which will drive local people on,” he said.
Meanwhile Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan said the funding announcement was “fantastic news” for both areas.
“Monksland will see the creation of a town centre focus for Monksland with a new community hub, linear park and increased pedestrian and cycle linkages between residential and commercial areas,” she said.
“Strokestown will see project development in the centre of Strokestown including improved public realm and parking, plans for the redevelopment of Bawn Street, creation of a civic space at the gates to Strokestown House, and creation of community gardens on a backlands site.
“My colleague, Cllr. Liam Callaghan, has worked closely on the development of this area”.
