Project Ireland 2040 is' a game changer for Mayo and rural Ireland' - Minister Ring

THE Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, has described Project Ireland 2040 as' a game changer for Mayo and rural Ireland.' 

Speaking this afternoon at the launch  in Sligo IT,  the Westport-based representative stated: “Project Ireland 2040 is very good news for Mayo and rural Ireland. Put simply, it will help improve people’s quality of life in in towns, villages and townlands in Mayo and throughout rural Ireland.

“As Minister for Rural and Community Development, I have worked closely with Ministers Donohoe and Murphy to ensure that this document delivers for rural Ireland.

"This has involved ensuring investments such as the €1 billion rural regeneration fund and a €4.5 billion spending package for regional and local roads.

"I am proud to stand over this plan because I know it will deliver for every part of Ireland. People should have a decent quality of life no matter where they choose to live.

“Project Ireland 2040 marks a significant milestone in our country’s development. In the next 20 years Ireland will grow by an extra one million people and half of that growth will take place outside of our five main cities.

"This plan marks a significant milestone in our country’s development.

“Some of the projects which will be delivered under Project Ireland 2040 and which will directly benefit people in Mayo include:

*Major improvements to the N4/N5 including on the Westport to Turlough section, the Ballaghadereen to Scramóg section and the extension of the motorway from Mullingar to Longford.

* A special Rural Regeneration Fund worth €1 billion nationally to be administered by my Department and which will involve targeted investment in towns, villages and townlands in Mayo.

* A significant investment package in Knock Airport in recognition of its strategic importance as a major regional airport.

* An Urban Regeneration Fund which will see significant investment in rural towns with a population of over 10,000 such as Castlebar and Ballina as well as our major cities.

* €19.4 million to be invested in new sewerage schemes for Foxford, Charlestown and Killala.

* 4 new consultants will be recruited at Mayo General Hospital as part of the national trauma care strategy.

* €3.5 million investment in GMIT Castlebar campus

* New cycling and walking trails in Ballycroy

* Major improvements to Ceide Fields Visitor Experience