GOOD NEWS FOR ARKLOW
Fine Gaels Andrew Doyle, has welcomed confirmation of €150,556 in funding for Wicklow under the 2016 REDZ
(Rural Economic Development Zones).
Arklow has received €150,556 to develop a Heritage and Visitor activity centre based on the world renowned Arklow Pottery. The funding is being made available by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys TD. The REDZ scheme aims to stimulate economic development in rural towns and their hinterlands.
Ann McGovern President Arklow Chamber expressed her thanks to Deirdre Whitfield and Michael Nicholson and Linda McDonald of Wicklow Co Council as well as Irene Sweeney for their support for this initiative to bring increased tourism and visitors back to Arklow’s main street. Developing a cultural quarter around pottery, craft and food is central to the regeneration of such a beautiful historic town.
“This is the latest in a series of funding schemes which have been announced by the Government which aims to boost economic activity and improve living standards here in Wicklow and across rural Ireland.
“Under the 2016 REDZ scheme, just over €5.3 million is being approved to 41 projects nationwide, with €1.9 million going to projects in the North and Western Region, €1.3 million for projects in the Southern Region and €2.1 million for projects in the Eastern and Midlands Region.
“The REDZ scheme aims to improve links between rural towns and their hinterlands to stimulate activity at a local level. This initiative encourages Local Authorities to work with local communities, business interests and other State bodies, to identify areas of greatest economic need which can make better use of their local assets to generate economic activity.
“The REDZ programme is one of a number of schemes which will help to support regeneration in rural towns and villages. Funding has previously been provided to towns and villages across <county> under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. Both schemes will work in a complementary way to ensure that all rural areas have strong economic and social centres, which support a higher quality of life for both town dwellers and those who live in the rural hinterlands.
“Fine Gael in Government is committed to ensuring that people living and working in rural Ireland feel the benefits as the economy continues to recover. I would like to commend Minister Humphreys and her colleague Minister of State for Regional Development, Michael Ring TD, for the range of initiatives they have announced to date aimed at supporting rural communities.
“Minister Humphreys will be publishing the first ever Action Plan for Rural Development in the coming weeks, which will be a cross government approach to supporting rural communities and stimulating regional development.”
Arklow Christmas Festival
The first day of the Arklow Christmas Festival was a great success. There was a wonderful atmosphere with something for everyone to enjoy including a recital by the Inver Ladies Choir, Punch & Judy Show, the switching on of the Christmas Lights and finished with spectacular fireworks display. The committee thanks those who came along to support the event and those who helped in any way.
Tomorrow Saturday 3rd December
Christmas Sign-song (4.00pm – 4.30pm)
Santa arrival (4.30pm)
Pipe Band Recital (4.30pm – 5.00pm)
Friday 9th December – Tree lighting at the Library; Festive Carols and Story Telling.
Sunday 11th December – Christmas Craft Fair and Food Market; Arklow’s Live Crib; Christmas Jumper Competition; Majorettes Display; AMA Christmas Busking Competition and Mini Funfair.
Saturday 17th December – Festive Photography Prize Giving; Santa Dash; Golden Ticket Draw; Best Window Display Prize Giving; Arklow Panto Creation’s Aladdin Medley.
This year sees the introduction of a GOLDEN TICKET DRAW which has a prize fund of over €2,000 and a FESTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION sponsored by Chamber Member, 1st Choice Pharmacy.
Look up Arklow Christmas Festival for more information.
Wednesday 28th – Friday 30th December ….. Arklow Panto Creation’s ALADDIN
Christmas Parking
Free parking in Council owned car parks from Friday 2nd December 2016 up to Monday 2nd January 2017 inclusive. Free parking on the street will be restricted to two hours from Friday 2nd December 2016 up to Monday 2nd January 2017 inclusive.
Lions Christmas Food Appeal
The annual Lions Club food appeal got underway last weekend in Tescos. Watch out for them in SuperValu from 8th to 10th December and in Dunnes on 16th/17th December.
The annual St. Stephen’s Day charity swim will be held at South Beach or the Cove depending on the weather conditions starting at 12pm and sponsor cards are available from any Lions Club member. Visit Arklow Lions Club Facebook page for more information.
Reindeer Run for Arklow RNLI
Arklow RNLI will be one of the lifeboat stations to benefit from a festive reindeer run which will take place in Dublin’s Marley Park on Sunday, 4th December. This event will raise much needed funds for the lifeboat crews in Arklow, Dun Laoghaire, Skerries and Howth.
Go to Arklow RNLI for more fundraising events.
Arklow Geraldines Ballymoney Club
Arklow Municipal District recently honoured the intermediate and minor teams from Arklow Geraldines Ballymoney Club who won their county championships this year. Over 60 representatives from the AGB Club received a civic reception for their achievements and both teams were presented with an engraved plaque to commemorate the occasion. Cathaoirleach of Arklow Municipal District, Pat Kennedy, and Chairman of Wicklow County Council, Pat Fitzgerald, congratulated both teams and their backroom staff. Jimmy Dunne who is Club Secretary of AGB Club said these victories were not just sporting achievement but have wide reaching benefits for business in Arklow and raised the morale of the town.