€400,000 funding approved under the Rural Development Programme.
Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government announced today (20/11/2012) that he has given sanction for South Tipperary Development Company to approve funding of €200,000 to Larkspur Park to upgrade existing tennis courts, provide an additional court, external lighting and practice wall and extend the clubhouse under the Encouragement of Tourism Activities measure of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013. The minister has also today announced that has given sanction for Ballyhoura Development Ltd to approve funding of €200,000.00 for the restoration of Coote Memorial Hall, at Kilmallock, Co Limerick under the Village and Countryside Renewal measure of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013
Announcing the funding for Larkspur Park, Minister Hogan said:
“This project will be of immense benefit to Cashel with its total project costs of €308,000. The development will enable Larkspur Park to offer tourists visiting Cashel a quality centre for sports and recreation as well as enhancing the offering to the local community. I know this development will enhance the economic and social attractiveness of Cashel.”
The LEADER elements of the Programme offer many challenges and opportunities in terms of addressing the needs of improving the quality of life in rural areas and providing greater opportunities for farm diversification. It is focused on the development of micro-enterprises, rural services, rural recreation and rural tourism. It is hoped that, by focusing on these services, the Programme will lead to sustainable development, which in turn will ensure prosperity for the rural areas.
The Minister added, “The project will now go back to the Board of South Tipperary Development Company for the final approval on the project. This is in line with the EU’s “bottom-up” approach to rural development.”
Announcing the funding for Coote Memorial Hall, Minister Hogan said:
“This project will be of immense benefit to Kilmallock with its total project costs of 266,000.00. Coote Memorial Hall, a protected structure, is currently derelict and unused and the proposed works will protect and restore this historic building. The proposed project will ensure that Coote Hall is developed and utilised in a sustainable manner by, and for the good of, the community. The facility will be developed as a community resource offering capacity building and training for the community of Kilmallock and the wider Ballyhoura area. I know it will improve the quality of life and will strengthen the social and economic fabric for all the areas inhabitants.”
The LEADER elements of the Programme offer many challenges and opportunities in terms of addressing the needs of improving the quality of life in rural areas and providing greater opportunities for farm diversification. It is focused on the development of micro-enterprises, rural services, rural recreation and rural tourism. It is hoped that, by focusing on these services, the Programme will lead to sustainable development, which in turn will ensure prosperity for the rural areas.
The Minister added, “The project will now go back to the Board of Ballyhoura Development Ltd for the final approval on the project. This is in line with the EU’s “bottom-up” approach to rural development.”