Local public representatives have welcomed last Thursday’s announcement from the Department of Rural and Community Development that over €5 million in funding will be made available to projects in County Roscommon under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
The projects set to benefit include the Royal Hotel site in Boyle which is set to receive €1.7 million, An Chistin at The Hub in Castlerea, which is set to receive €1.54 million, and An Bealach social innovation hub and creative awareness space in Ballaghaderreen which will receive €1.65 million. A Digiwest supported project in Tulsk will also see hot desking facilities provided to people who want to develop a new business in the area.
Announcing the funding of €62 million which will see 66 projects nationwide benefit, Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring said: “This Fund is a clear demonstration of Project Ireland 2040 in action and is further evidence of this Government’s commitment to rural communities. These investments will have a transformative effect on many rural towns, villages and outlying areas”. He added that he believes it is “vital” to build resilience in rural communities.
Independent TD Denis Naughten said the investments would help to support the rural economy in Co. Roscommon and were a “tribute” to local development organisations. However, he expressed disappointment that a factory project in Ballinasloe and digital hub in Monksland had not received funding this time.
Fellow Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice described the announcement as a “step in the right direction” for rural communities.
“In the last number of years, we have seen Garda Stations and post offices close in communities in rural parts of the country. The pub trade has taken a dive due to new laws and the lack of adequate public transport. This funding announcement must be welcomed, as it looks to build the resilience in rural communities and halt the movement of people towards the larger urban areas”.
Fine Gael Senators Maura Hopkins and Frank Feighan also hailed Minister Ring’s announcement.
Senator Hopkins said: “This injection of funding into north and west Roscommon will provide a major boost for the region. Since I first got involved in politics, securing increased capital investment for these regions has been one of my major priorities”. She went on to commend community activists who had worked closely with Roscommon Integrated Development Company and Roscommon County Council.
Senator Feighan said the funding to transform the former Royal Hotel into an Enterprise Centre and Civic Space as well as previous funding as part of the Boyle 2040 blueprint “marks the beginning of great days ahead for the town of Boyle”.
“As we all continue to work towards attracting more people to the town, I also want to stress once more that the final piece in the jigsaw is the provision of a hotel.
“To that end, I will be working with all stakeholders in a bid to secure a hotel project which I believe can become a focal point for the new Boyle,” he added.
