It’s hoped a major €1.2 million investment in Newmarket on Fergus will create opportunities for young people in the village and encourage them to stay and work locally.
The funding will see the derelict Tradaree Arms transformed into a hive of activity, providing 16 spaces for trainee chefs, as well as a start-up hub for local food producers.
The funding announced today, totaling €1.2 million, has been hailed a game changer for the village of Newmarket on Fergus.
€500,000 of it is being rolled out through the LEADER Programme for the Tradaree Food Hub project, with community development organisation Obair adding a further €300,000 from its own resources.
This is further boosted with €200,000 from the Tomar Trust, which is matched by the same amount from the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
Director of Obair John Quinlivan, who previously said the village was dying on its feet, says its giving them renewed optimism for the future of their community.
Doirín Graham from the Clare Local Development Company, which helped secure the largest allocation of the fund, agrees.
She feels it’ll bring about a revival of Newmarket-on-Fergus
As part of the project, an extended Meals on Wheels service will also be rolled out.
As it stands, they provide up to 60 meals a week to vulnerable people from their existing base but there’s increasing demand on their service now.
Kitty Ward is a volunteer there and says the support they provide is a lifeline for those who need it.
A portion of the funding is also to be set aside to create a drugs and alcohol free recreational space for young people, who it’s hoped will one day stay working locally.
Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey says it’s going to bring a welcome injection of life into the village centre.
