The figures given in the report released today under the National Development Plan 2007 -2013, while provisional, give us some indication of how Tipperary fared in the national share out. Actual expenditure and grant aid approved will be available early in 2009 from each of the relevant Government Departments.
FÁS – Skills & Training: In 2008, 340 Tipperary people participated in a wide range of FÁS training courses and a variety of other programmes, including apprenticeships, vocational training and in-company training. This compares with Kildare 800 persons, Donegal 1000 persons, Kilkenny and Laois – no known figures, Louth 2000 persons, Waterford 3000 persons, Cork 3,300 persons and Wicklow 122 persons.
Road networks: In Tipperary, over €70 million was allocated for national road improvements and maintenance in the county. National roads that received funding include the N7 Limerick to Nenagh, N7 Castletown to Nenagh and N8 Cashel to Mitchelstown, which opened in July. The M8/N8 Cullahill to Cashel, which was opened this month at a cost of €434 million and which bypasses the towns of Littleton and Horse and Jockey. This compares with Westmeath €96.7 million, Cavan €13.24 million, Clare €6.24 million, Galway €134 million, Kilkenny €240 million and Offaly €32.7 million. The improvement of non national roads in Co.Tipperary benefited by a further €27.8 million for local projects including the Ballysloe to Clonmicklin, Templemore to Templetuohy, New Inn to Whitelands, Gormanstown to Castlegrace and Rearcross to Newport roads.
Tourism and Hospitality Sector: This sector supports 250,000 jobs throughout all Ireland. In 2008, €19 million was allocated nationally for this programme. Under the Tourism Capital Investment Programme, County Tipperary received an allocation of €1.9 million for tourism projects in 2008. Funds were approved for the Beara Breifne Walk, Terryglass Amenity Area, Cahir Brown Trout Angling Centre of Excellence and a heritage driving route in the Comeragh Mountains. Funding were also approved for Historic Trails in Carrick-on-Suir, Cashel and Tipperary Town and the Tipperary Heritage Trail. Over €1.6 million in funding was allocated in County Tipperary under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme for replacement of the swimming pools in Thurles and Roscrea.
Sports: Under the NDP funded Sports Capital Programme, €4.93 million in grants was allocated to sporting clubs and facilities in Co. Tipperary. Beneficiares were Roscrea Leisure Centre, Thurles Gaelic Sports field Society Ltd. and Holycross Ballycahill GAA Club.
Rural Economy Development: Under the Commercial Horticulture Sector scheme over €437,000 was allocated to 12 schemes in Co. Tipperary in 2008 to assist growers to produce high quality products.
Education: In County Tipperary Primary and Post-Primary schools received capital funding of over €24.3 million; schools that benefited include Silvermines National School, Kilruane National School, St. Joseph’s CBS in Nenagh and Borrisokane Community College. The Tipperary Institute received over €157,000 for minor capital works.
Childcare services: Co. Tipperary were allocated funding of over €3.5 million in 2008. Services that benefited include Holycross Community Childcare and Whizz Kids Montessori in Thurles, Ballingarry Community Council and Learning Through Fun, Nenagh.
Housing Funding: Over €2 million was allocated for voluntary housing provisions during the year, and projects funded include homes at Roscrea, Thurles, Cashel and Clonmel.
Water Services Investment Programme 2007 – 2009: Funding to upgrade and expand water treatment capacity, improve drinking water quality and supply and improve and expand waste water treatment in County Tipperary was over €213 million. Schemes funded in 2008 which were completed include Thurles Waste Water Treatment Plant.
Enterprise Boards: During 2008, the Tipperary County Enterprise Board was allocated €1.6 million. Among the companies supported were Feileacan Accessories in Clonmel, The Apple Farm in Cahir and Digino Ltd. in Ballina.
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