Local Fine Gael Councillor Neale Richmond has welcomed the announcement of €105,000 in funding to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to support community groups to enhance their areas. The funding comes as part of a €3 million Public Area Enhancement Scheme announced by Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD.

“2014 has been a challenging year so far for local authorities in terms of managing their public spaces due to the inclement weather conditions we have experienced. This additional, once-off fund is being provided to support local authorities’ efforts to prepare and maintain their public areas in an effort to maximise the economic benefits that can flow from increased visitors.

“This additional funding for our area can be used for clean-up of parks and recreational areas or even the cleaning and making safe of derelict buildings. All work undertaken should be additional to work already planned and must also be supplemented with 25% matching funding from the local authority.

“The Minister has asked that this funding be used to undertake work in cooperation with community based groups where possible.  The work of these groups is also crucial to the tourism potential of this country, as it ensures our  towns and villages look their best for visitors.”