Mayo groups encouraged to apply for Town and Village Renewal Scheme

ALL community groups and organisations across Mayo should look at developing projects through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, says Deputy Alan Dillon.

Applications are currently open for expressions of interest for evaluation under the Project Development Measure through Mayo County Council, which is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Deputy Dillon explained: “Mayo County Council will select three expressions of interest to progress to full application to the department as part of the local authority submission. Under this measure up to a maximum value of €50,000 per application at a grant rate of 95% of the total project costs per project application and a minimum match funding rate of 5% of the total project costs is available.

“Funding may be awarded for costs such as detailed design, planning, procurement, professional fees, assessments, and other developmental costs.

“Any project for which funding is sought under this measure must be strategic, help to rejuvenate the town or village where it is located and demonstrate that it has emerged through consultation with stakeholders/beneficiaries, e.g. sectoral authorities/agencies, business community, local community groups, residents, etc.”

The proposed projects must be identified as part of a Town Plan, Health Check, Community Futures Plan or other community planning process.

He added: “Many towns across Mayo have already benefited from funding through this scheme. I would encourage all groups to look at projects which could further benefit their towns and villages.”

Completed expressions of interest must be submitted to Mayo County Council by email at community@mayococo.ie by Tuesday next, March 12.