Old buildings will be renovated and put to use.
24 towns across Ireland have been chosen as part of a scheme to convert old cinemas, courthouses, hotels and convents into remote working hubs.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, announced €75million for the regeneration projects in rural communities.
As part of the wider €1 billion Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, pedestrian zones, green zones and outdoor spaces will be developed.
A large number of the projects provide for the regeneration of vacant town centre buildings as remote working and hot-desking facilities.
“Just three weeks ago, the Government launched Our Rural Future, the most ambitious and transformational policy for rural development in decades," Humphreys said.
“Today we are putting that policy firmly into action and delivering major investment aimed at town centre regeneration and supporting remote working.
“These projects will breathe new life into towns and villages across the country making them attractive and vibrant places for people to live, work, socialise and raise a family.”
Some of the projects announced include:
- €8.78m for Ballybofey-Stranolar, Co. Donegal: Restoration of the old Ritz Cinema Heritage Building into a 1,400sq.m Enterprise and Remote Working Hub.
- €6m for Ballymahon, Co. Longford: Renovation of three historic town centre buildings including the vacant former convent building, the old Boys School and the former Dean Egan Library into a Co-Working Space, Youth Hub and a Community Centre.
- €4m for Youghal Co. Cork: Derelict site and buildings on the main street to be transformed into a new library, remote learning hub and community space. This town centre project will significantly enhance the character and streetscape in the heart of Youghal.
- €2.8m for the Thurles Market Quarter, Co Tipperary: This project will renovate a 19th Century vacant agriculture building and associated car park to create the new Thurles Market Quarter. The new Quarter will include a designated market space, a multi-functional events space and a Student's Union and Café.
- €2m for Remote Working Hub on Iveragh Peninsula, Co Kerry: This project will deliver a Digital Hub that will provide workspace for up to 50 people on the peninsula. The strategic Hub will provide remote learning and upskilling programmes, support small businesses to develop and expand and provide remote working space for the surrounding region.
