Limerick City and County Council is welcoming the inclusion of Rathkeale in the second phase of the Town Centre First initiative. Rathkeale is one of the 26 towns across the country which will now benefit from funding of €30,000 from the Department of Rural and Community Development to prepare a comprehensive plan to help revive their town centres.
Abbeyfeale was selected in the pilot phase of the initiative and the community there has worked tirelessly with Limerick City and County Council to complete their Town Centre First plan. This incorporates a number of transformational projects for the town, which will be subject to applications for future funding streams from the Department.
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning, Kieran O’Donnell TD launched the Town Centre First plans for Abbeyfeale and the 25 other towns across the country, which were prepared under the pilot phase. The plans, which were developed in consultation with local communities represent the vision of local people for their area and contain proposals for a diverse range of projects, which will assist in the revitalisation of town centres.
Minister Humphreys also announced the next 26 towns which have been approved to develop Town Centre First Plans, including Rathkeale. Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell welcomed the inclusion of Rathkeale in phase 2, saying, “This is a fantastic and well-deserved opportunity for the people of Rathkeale to take the lead in deciding the future of the area. The input from the community will be key to unlocking the revitalisation of this historic town. Abbeyfeale has set a good example with their Town Centre First Plan. Working with Limerick City and County Council, projects have been identified that can make a meaningful and positive impact. I am confident that with the support of Minister Humphrey’s Department these projects can become a reality.”
Chief Executive of Limerick City and County Council Dr Pat Daly said: “The Town Centre First plans empower communities to tackle vacancy, improve amenities and foster enterprise. After working closely with Abbeyfeale to deliver their plan under the initial pilot phase of the scheme, Limerick City and County Council staff are delighted to work with the Rathkeale community to help identify projects to help their town to thrive.”