The Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2017 has recently been launched by Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys TD and Minister of State for Regional Economic Development, Michael Ring, TD. For 2017, there will be €20 million in funding for rural towns and villages for projects.

The scheme is specifically targeted at rural towns and villages with populations of less than 10,000. Applications from towns can range from €20,000 to a maximum of €100,000. Funding of up to €200,000 will also be considered for a limited number of projects which can deliver exceptionally strong economic benefit to a town and its outlying areas.

Meath County Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from town/village groups who may have a suitable project for consideration under the scheme. All expressions of interest will be assessed based on the priorities as contained in the Scheme Outline after the closing date. A maximum of 15 proposals will be selected for development into detailed applications which will be submitted to the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs for consideration.

Details of the Town & Village Renewal Scheme 2017 and the Expression of Interest application form can be found at http://www.meath.ie/Community/CommunityInformation/CommunityGrants/TownandVillageRenewalScheme/

All interested town/village groups should complete the Expression of Interest form and return by post to the Community Section, Meath County Council, Buvinda House, Dublin Road, Navan, Co. Meath C15Y291 or email to community@meathcoco.ie no later than 4pm on Friday 12th May 2017.