Funding boost for Newtown
WICKLOW County Council Chief Executive, Frank Curran, welcomed a number of funding allocations received for local projects, while addressing last Monday’s monthly meeting.
He warmly greeted news that Newtownmountkennedy would receive funding from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. Some €357,750 has been received from the Government’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund while Wicklow County Council will provide matching funds of €119,250.
The Chief Executive said: ‘ The fund will enable Newtownmountkennedy to achieve sustainable social and economic development and greatly improve the quality of life for people living in the area. It will be used to upgrade the public realm, street landscaping, traffic management, public spaces and community facilities.’
Wicklow County Council also achieved higher than average marks in a study carried out on all Local Authorities by the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC).
‘Over half of the people surveyed, 60 per cent, said we were doing a good job, compared to 51 per cent nationally. We scored higher than average in most categories.
‘57 per cent are overall satisfied with Wicklow County Council, which is again higher than the national average. Satisfaction with road safety and road maintenance averaged at 62 per cent, compared to an overall average of 59 per cent,’ said Mr Curran.
He also welcomed the recent announcement that Wicklow’s Historic Gaol won a prestigious
2020 Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice - Best of the Best award. Funding of €3.3 million has also been allocated to 29 projects in the county which will improve walking and cycling throughout the county.
Cllr Gail Dunne felt the Trip Advisor award for Wicklow Gaol could have positive implications for the popular visitor attraction.
‘It’s a big achievement and really puts Wicklow on the map throughout the world, and not just nationally. Anyone who is involved deserves plenty of praise.’
Cllr Paul O’Brien said the funding received for Newtownmountkennedy would ‘ help transform the Main Street.’