Funding Announced For Blessington's Market Square & Wicklow's Black Castle.

A total of 53 projects nationwide will be supported.

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced funding of €2.6 million to support the development of a wide range of Town Centre First projects.

This funding 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 with up to €50,000 of funding per project.

This funding will support pre-development works for projects and support costs including detailed design, planning, procurement, professional fees, assessments and other development costs.

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said:

“I’m delighted to announce funding of €2.6 million today 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 today 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”.

Two Wicklow projects have received funding:

Green Party TD for Wicklow Steven Matthews has welcomed the news:

"This is great news for the iconic Black Castle in Wicklow. 

"The Castle dates to 12th century Norman times and has a dark history associated with conflict and violence with local O'Byrne and O'Toole clans. Despite its bloody past, the site and the Castle are very popular with locals and tourists. This funding for a professional design and structure assessment is very important to enable a further application to carry out improvements and accessibility to the area. 

"There have been great improvements to Wicklow Town such as the Wander Walls murals and the refurbishment of Market Square and Fitzwillam Square and great credit has to go the local councillors, Wicklow County Council and the hard working Wicklow Town Team. I am always delighted to support them in their work and investment in our county town."