Funding announced for pre-development planning for new town centre plaza in Kinsale 

Two Cork projects are due to benefit from part of a €2.6m Town Centre First fund.

The funding, announced by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, will assist local authorities in creating a pipeline of significant, well-developed projects in local towns across Ireland.

A total of 53 projects will be supported nationwide, with up to €50,000 of funding per project, including two innovative projects in Cork.

Among the projects approved is the development of a community hub in Ladysbridge, to service the needs of the locality including childcare facilities and a remote working hub; as well as the pre-development planning for a new town centre plaza in Kinsale.

The funding will support costs involved in each project, including detailed design, planning, procurement, professional fees, assessments and other development costs.

Minister Humphreys said: “I’m delighted to announce funding of €2.6m, which will support local authorities and town teams to develop a strong pipeline of shovel-ready projects in our local towns.

“I am announcing funding for a wide range of projects, from the development of green spaces and parks in our town centres, to projects which look at how vacant and derelict buildings in our towns can be brought back into use.

“I look forward to seeing these exciting projects and initiatives progress and make positive impacts for our rural towns and villages.”