GRANTS totalling £10.4 million will be allocated to city centre initiatives in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford as well as environmental improvements Fin smaller towns and villages.
Ms Liz McManus, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Renewal, said £1.12 million would be given to Dublin Corporation to fund a rejuvenation plan for the Smithfield area.
Cork corporation will get £0.7 million for a pilot project flanking North and South Main Street as part of its historic centre Faction plan while Galway Corporation will receive £0.54 million for a series of schemes between Eyre Square and the River Corrib. Limerick Corporation's £0.6 million is for an integrated plan for the King's Island, including renovations to the city wall." Waterford Corporation will get £0.5 million for an arts and crafts quarter in South Quays.
Ms McManus said this was the fourth year of a six year programme of grant-aid under the EU funded Urban and Village Renewal programme. It aims to promote sustainable physical, social and economic revitalisation of urban centres.
The programme, co funded by the local authorities from their own resources, had played a significant part in making towns and villages more attractive, she said.