Published on Tuesday31stJanuary2017

Minister Humphreys announces plans to invest more than €28m in towns, villages and rural recreation projects in 2017

2017031 Humphreys

Minister Humphreys with Martin Colreavy, Principal Adviser, in the Department’s Built Heritage, Architectural Policy & Strategic Infrastructure Division and CEO of the Heritage Council, Michael Starrett at Cootehill Courthouse

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys has today announced that €28 million will be invested in towns, villages and rural recreation projects in 2017, as part of the Action Plan for Rural Development. 


At least 200 towns and villages will benefit from the funding, with a further 100 projects to benefit from rural recreation funding. A variety of schemes will be opened in the coming months to directly benefit rural communities and heritage projects nationwide.

The following schemes will inject funding into rural Ireland throughout 2017:

  • €12 million Town and Village Renewal Scheme
  • €5 million CLÁR Programme
  • €2.8 million built heritage investment schemes 
  • €1.3 million Heritage Council schemes
  • €7 million in support for rural recreation projects


Speaking today Minister Humphreys said:

“I am prioritising the revitalisation of rural towns and villages through the Action Plan for Rural Development. If we are serious about rural regeneration, we must start with our rural towns. The schemes which will be co-run by my Department, Local Authorities and the Heritage Council this year will provide direct funding to rural towns and villages to improve public areas, invest in heritage buildings and support innovative local projects."