Fine Gael TD for Wicklow, Deputy Andrew Doyle, has warmly welcomed the announcement by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government that €305,250 is being made available to Redcross in County Wicklow under the developments measure as part of the Rural Development Programme this year. This exact funding has been allocated for a Community Amenity Park.
Deputy Doyle said, “This is fantastic news for Redcross. This specific announcement of funding for the village comes on the back of the €90m investment nationally announced by Minister Phil Hogan last week.”
“This project, which consists of the development of a 5.3 acre site at Redcross, donated specifically for the purpose, will be of immense benefit to County Wicklow with its total costs of €407,000. Funding is specifically for Phase 1 of the project, and it involves the development of the playground, jogging track, playing pitches and the car park area, along with associated lighting. 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 project will now go back to the Board of County Wicklow Partnership for the final approval on the project. This is in line with the EU’s ‘’bottom-up approach to rural development. Essentially, this will support sustainable communities and enhance rural economies for further job creation.”
“This project in Redcross is an important rural project for the community and I’m delighted to see this funding being allocated”, concluded Deputy Doyle.