OVER €1.2million in funding has been announced for Merchant’s House Site in Kilmallock and the former Bank of Ireland building in Rathkeale.
The news was announced this Friday morning (October 10) by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary.
It means an investment of €886,176 for the Merchant’s House site and €346,480 for the former Bank of Ireland building, described as bringing “ambitious rural regeneration and economic development projects to full readiness”.
The funding for Merchant’s House will restore parts of the iconic building, transforming it into a multi-functional community and enterprise space, while preserving its original medieval frontage.
The redevelopment will also create a new focal point for business and civic life in Kilmallock.
The former Bank of Ireland building will be converted into a new enterprise and community hub, with co-working spaces and shared facilities.
It forms part of nationwide funding of €20m for 29 landmark regeneration projects in rural communities across the country.
The funding, under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF), is being invested in projects that will rejuvenate town centres, drive economic growth and town footfall, combat dereliction and vacancy, develop pedestrian zones and outdoor spaces and boost tourism in rural Ireland.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport and Limerick TD Patrick O’Donovan said the funding was “another strong vote of confidence in rural Limerick.”
“These are proud, close-knit communities that deserve continued investment and support. The restoration of the Merchant’s House and the transformation of the former Bank of Ireland building will not only protect our built heritage, but also breathe new life into our town centres”, the Minister said.
Limerick TD and Fianna Fáil Minister Niall Collins also welcomed the news.
“Both of these projects are hugely important for our heritage and history in rural Limerick and the funding announced today will be a significant boost to attracting more vibrancy and tourism to both Rathkeale and Kilmallock.”
Announcing the funding for the 29 projects, Minister Calleary said:
“I am delighted to announce the successful projects selected from applications received in response to the latest ‘call for proposals’ under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
“This €1bn fund was established under Project Ireland 2040 to deliver the targeted investment necessary to ensure that rural Ireland continues to grow and prosper and deliver on balanced regional growth that is in everyone’s interests.”
