Latest news with #TownandVillageRenewalScheme
Irish Independent
09-08-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
‘Largest bike pump track in Ireland' prepares for October opening
The project is a collaboration between Wicklow County Council and the Wicklow Town Team, who secured funding of €225,000 for the long-awaited works for a purpose-built track from the Town and Village Renewal Scheme last year. Plans for the pump track date back to 2022 and upon its completion, it is believed this will be the largest BMX pump track in the country. The best-in-class asphalt covered pump track promises to provide many hours of activity and enjoyment for all ages and abilities. It also has the potential to host events and competitions, which may come as welcome news to Ireland's BMX racers. The cohort received a large dose of inspiration last month when Ireland's Carly Hayes from Dublin finished 13th overall in the Girls 16 category at the BMX World Championships in Denmark. It is hoped works on the new Wicklow pump track will be completed by the end of September in time for opening by the end of October. The Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Graham Richmond, said: 'I was down at the site yesterday and it looks great. It will be a wonderful addition to the offerings we have in Wicklow town, and should attract visitors from far and wide. "Hopefully it is the start of more recreational facilities in and around the town, because the town has been short of these sorts of facilities for too long. If you don't provide these types of recreational facilities then it can lead to anti-social behaviour. 'We have had a lot of building taking place in Wicklow town and surrounding areas in recent years, but we need to have the proper infrastructure in place to match this growth. This will be a state-of-the-art pump track, suitable for all levels and age groups. "It will be the largest bike pump track in Ireland and should also help provide Wicklow town with a boost in the numbers of visitors. It's all very positive and hopefully the works should be completed before the end of September, in time for an official opening in October.' Welcoming the development of the pump track, and the short timeline to its completion, Pascal Burke, chair of Wicklow Town Team, acknowledged the great support provided for this project by the Wicklow Municipal District staff and its councillors by saying that this is another great example of what can be achieved for the local community by all interested parties working constructively together. The first full BMX track in Ireland was opened in Ratoath, Co Meath in November 2011. Now there are tracks in Cork, Dublin, Lisburn, and down the road from Wicklow in Courtown. Most recently tracks were opened in Dungarvan, Co Waterford and in the Dodder Valley Park in Dublin. The latter has been described by developers Velosolutions as the "largest full asphalt pump track in Ireland," with a total area of 1,300 square metres. Bike Park Ireland in Tipperary also describes their pump track as the largest in Ireland, but unfortunately the facility has been closed since 2019 due to insurance costs.
Irish Independent
19-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Mayo councillors vote to keep the current base rate for local property tax despite calls for a reduction
The decision came despite a recommendation from the council's Director of Finance to increase the base rate to 15pc which would generate an extra €1.52m in LPT income for the council and would go towards services such hedge cutting, verge trimming and capital projects around the county.. LPT in Mayo is estimated to bring in €10.13m in 2026. The Exchequer will then allocate €11.88m as part of the Equalisation fund. This gives Mayo County Council a baseline fund of €22.01m for the year. Fianna Fáil councillor, Damien Ryan, rejected the recommendation and proposed that the base rate remains at 10pc. 'You recommend 15pc but you don't have to go out and sell it the way we have to sell it. I suppose at the end of the day we want to be wise and prudent about how we do things here. We're in extremely uncertain times, the 30pc tariffs coming across the Atlantic are going to have a huge impact on Ireland.' Keeping the base rate at 10pc would raise €1.01m in LPT income. Of this, €200,000 would be ring-fenced for verge trimming, and €400,000 would go towards the match funding contribution for Clár, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) and other similar schemes. Cllr Ryan proposed a provision be made for €100,000 to go toward addressing the backlogs in processing applications for housing grants such as Croi Conaithe. Fine Gael councillor Peter Flynn seconded this proposal. Independent councillor, John O'Malley, rejected any raise in the base rate. He spoke of families facing food and fuel poverty and families in rural areas in the county, 'There are families out there who are finding it hard, especially in rural areas,' he said. 'We pay a property tax in the rural area but we don't get street lights, footpaths, water, or sewerage. We don't get any of that paid for.' 'I can't support any increase in LPT, it's not fair to go asking rural people to pay more.' ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Cllr O'Malley proposed reducing the base rate to 0pc. His motion was seconded by Cllr Michael Kilcoyne, who reminded the council that they also had the power to decrease the rate by 15pc. He reiterated that people in rural areas are being treated unfairly and said: 'you're asking people to pay 25pc more than they should have to.' Councillors Harry Barrett, Patsy O'Brien, Chris Maxwell and Deirdre Lawless all seconded the proposal made by Cllr O'Malley and spoke out for families in rural Ireland. 'I want to see people having a little bit of money left over at the end of the month, not having extra charges tacked on here, there and everywhere,' Cllr Barrett said. 'They say 'every little helps' but it doesn't help in this scenario, every little is actually sending people under.' In response, Cllr Ryan stressed he was not proposing an increase but only arguing that the base rate be maintained. 'This decision is to hold it at the same rate it has been since 2020. We're holding it at the same rate to try and get economic development in each of our regions,' he said. 'For us to become effective going forward, the only way you can function is with sound economics and you have to underpin that with finance.' Cllr Ryan warned that reducing the base rate to 0pc would result in a loss of €2.5 million for the council, while maintaining the current rate would keep it functioning financially. Cllr Ryan recognised that change is needed in relation to local authority funding, he argued that the Department of Finance should restore Block Grants as the current Equalisation Fund only contributes to the urban and rural divide since urban councils have larger base rates. The vote to hold the base rate of LPT at 10pc was passed 17 votes to eight. All 17 who voted in favour are representatives for either Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael. This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Scheme
Irish Independent
29-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
‘Vital' new life for West Limerick's old and derelict buildings amid €1.2 investment
Today at 04:00 Two areas in rural Limerick have received huge support as Dara Calleary TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and Minister for Social Protection, opened two transformative community projects. Formerly a parochial house, the newly transformed Tigh an Phobail in Feohanagh now serves as a fully renovated community resource centre. It will provide essential space for local services, events, and social initiatives. The €742,000 project was funded through Town and Village Renewal Scheme (€150,000), LEADER Programme (€365,486), Community Centre Investment Fund (€25,000) and additional grants and donations (€202,105) Speaking at the event, Minister Calleary said: 'Tigh an Phobail provides a space for connection, support, and opportunity for the people of Feohanagh. It's a shining example of how targeted investment and strong community collaboration can breathe new life into rural areas.' Cllr Michael Collins, Cathaoirleach of the Newcastle West Municipal District, praised the development, adding: 'It's inspiring to see what can be achieved when communities, the Council and Government work together. Tigh an Phobail has quickly become a vital part of life in this rural community.' In Askeaton, a formerly derelict site in the heart of the town has been transformed into the West Square Parklet, featuring seating areas and planting designed to enhance both community life and the town's appearance. The €521,000 project was supported by Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2021 (€250,000), Limerick City and County Council (€241,117), Community Climate Action Fund (€30,415). Cllr Adam Teskey, Cathaoirleach of the Adare-Rathkeale Municipal District, welcomed the Minister and said: 'This beautiful Parklet is a thoughtful addition to Askeaton, one that respects our rich heritage while enhancing the public realm.' On his trip to the Treaty, Minister Calleary also stopped by Our Lady of Lourdes Community Centre in Ballinacurra Weston, where he met with local management and attended a community event. The Centre provides a range of services including a youth centre, café, crèche, and credit union. Related topics Jasmin Griffin
Irish Independent
26-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Fields at foot of Rock of Cashel to be transformed into new town park
Phase one of construction is due to begin by the latter end of the summer, which will see a contractor fully on site, and works are expected to take several months. The Cashel Town Park will feature gravel walkway, a scenic boardwalk, reinforced grass paths, natural play elements, sensitive landscaping, seating and signage, a low level maze and an amphitheatre. At the sod turning were elected members of Tipperary-Cahir-Cashel municipal district, Bru Ború, Cashel Heritage and Development Trust, local gardaí, the OPW, chief executive of Tipperary County Council Sinéad Carr, directors of services Brian Beck and Dave Carroll, district officials, project manager and engineer Frank Cussen, while Muintir Na Tire was represented by National President, Jackie Meally. Cashel resident Cllr Burgess told the Irish Independent that the new park is a transformative project for the heritage town and one that has been on his agenda for the past few years ever since he was elected to the council. 'I was delighted back in 2020 in proposing the Part 8 process planning permission to drive this project forward. Last year, we secured €495,000 in additional funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme to support this important work. 'We are going to deliver a low-level maze for recreation for kids to play in. We are going to have some organic play material, a new boardwalk improving accessibility in the site. 'But today, in marking the turning of the sod, acknowledges the journey we've been on as a local authority in securing the lands, in driving the new enhancement of the Bishop's Walk, the Bóthar na Marbh, and the Town Wall Walkway at the back of the courthouse. 'All three elements have been delivered already. This main starting point is going to be enjoyed by not just locals, but also visitors. Being under the shadow of the Rock, where hundreds of thousands of visitors are attending every year – the town has always missed that bridge, that connectivity between the Rock and the town centre.' Cllr Burgess said the enhanced town park will act as that bridge. 'It's going to be really transformative for outdoor space in the town. This is a really exciting journey that we're on and I'm delighted as cathaoirleach to be officially turning the sod today.' Cllr Burgess thanked all the council officials who worked on the project over the years, procuring the design, securing planning permission and authorisations from many agencies such as the National Monument Service, the OPW, and the Department of Heritage. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more 'It's quite a sensitive site,' said Cllr Burgess. 'I think that brings a unique aspect to our Town Park that no other town park has. This is going to be something exceptional and it's going to have that outdoor amenity that the town has missed for many years.' The new boardwalk will take some time to install, said Cllr Burgess. 'That accessibility element of the Town Park is really important.' There were many in Cashel who felt the Town Park would never get started, but it is, and when people see the end result, people will appreciate the outdoor space to bring their children, walk their dogs, and enjoy picnics, said Cllr Burgess. The entire project will deliver a new entrance to the Rock of Cashel site on the Camus Road side, at the existing gate. There will be new walkways, and a new amphitheatre which will be of huge benefit to the community. 'I can see the brass band practising there,' said Cllr Burgess. 'I can see Cashel Arts Festival utilising the space in the future, maybe some Irish dancing. It's going to be space for shows and that space for really notable experiences.' Phase one should be completed before Christmas, and, depending on funding, it's hoped that this time next, work will have moved on to phase two. Both phases will be opened separately. The three elements of Bóthar na Marbh, the Bishop's Walk, and the Town Wall Walkway are the three components of the project, with phase one leading from the top gate leading into the Bishop's Walk, down towards the Palace. 'That's going to be delivered in the coming months. That will be open to the public, and that side of the development is really geared towards families. It will be a really welcome addition to the town. 'The design concept respects the sensitivities of the site. It respects the heritage of our town and also provides that unique offering to visitors and locals so I'm really looking forward to it,' added Cllr Burgess.
Irish Independent
17-06-2025
- Irish Independent
'Habitual vandalism' threatening to spoil €1m project in New Ross town centre
Despite funding of almost €1m going towards its rejuvenation Brennan's Lane in New Ross continues to be a centre for anti-social behaviour and vandalism. Commencing in 2024, the laneway underwent a comprehensive refurbishment to enhance safety, accessibility, and vibrancy. The project was funded by a €500,000 grant from the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and was further supported by match funding from Wexford County Council, with the backing of the elected members, bringing the total investment to €891,000. However, at the June meeting of the New Ross Municipal District (NRMD) Councillor Michael Sheehan said there were some who cared little for the new facilities. 'I want to condemn the anti-social behaviour and vandalism at Brennan's Lane, this has become a habitual issue now,' he said. 'The neighbouring businesses have to go down and take the plants off the roof every evening, because they've been ripped out of it several times. Having spent the amount of money that we did there this is disgraceful behaviour.' Cllr Sheehan received support from Cllr John Fleming who urged the district office to ensure the area was kept in good condition.
