Village Renewal & Development

 

Villages and small towns are the focal point for rural community life and as such are a priority for development under the LEADER Programme. Projects should be aimed at enhancing the environmental, amenity and surface structural aspects of these communities. All projects involving public areas must be agreed with the local authority in writing in advance. Examples of activities eligible for assistance include:

  • Environmental upgrading of parks, civic areas, river walks, cow parks etc.

  • Access facilities to local amenities

  • Planting and local enhancement schemes

  • Upgrading of street lighting and other public utilities

  • Renovation of local derelict buildings

  • Support for the establishment of farmers markets

 

Fordstown Village Enhancement - Case Study

Fordstown Community Development Association was set up in 2005.  ‘A few of us got together to try and improve the area.  It had become very run down and overgrown and just needed a bit of attention’ said Stephanie Bray. ‘We took things slowly at the start, entering the Litter League in the first year and we did quite well in that.  We then entered the Pride of Place competition and were delighted to be awarded best new entrant.  I suppose that little bit of success gave us the confidence and encouragement we needed to keep going.  In 2006 we got ourselves together to apply for LEADER funding to do a larger enhancement project in the village. LEADER was a great help to us.  With their support we were able to plant more flower beds around the area, restore the monument and stone wall and put up a new heritage sign telling the history of the area.  Every year do a little extra and every year we do a little better.  We won our category in the Pride of Place last year and the year before and the LEADER funding has really helped us with that.’

 

‘We are lucky that we have a lot of dedicated people in our community, with good drive behind them.  The lads enjoy getting together and I think it’s important at the end of the evening that they have the tea and few sandwiches so that there is a social element to it as well.  Fordstown is renowned throughout the county for its great community spirit and for getting things done. It’s a real community effort, once people see the benefits they just get on board and it’s just become part of community life in Fordstown.’

 

Stephanie talks about how they found accessing the LEADER funding.  ‘Initially the paperwork was quite daunting, but once we got stuck in it wasn’t that hard.  It’s really just a matter of sitting down and doing it. Leader was very patient and they were a great support to us. They stuck with us and we stuck with them, so together we made a success of it!’

 

The Fordstown group don’t intend to rest on their laurels either.  ‘At the minute our big focus is on keeping it as good as it is.  But we do have plans for future improvements.  We want to extend the grass verges down the Athboy road another couple of hundred metres. We are also looking at getting some community lighting.  We are always enhancing and maintaining to keep up our high standards.’