€150,000 in funding for three Westmeath villages

Moyvore, Streete and Boher have each received a €50,000 government investment for local infrastructure, it has been confirmed this morning.

The allocation has been made as part of the CLAR scheme, which funds rural towns and villages.

The local ministers of state, Peter Burke and Robert Troy, welcomed the news

Minister Burke said: “I am delighted to announce that €50,000 has been allocated in Boher to erect a new footpath, zebra crossing at Boher NS, parking and public lighting, said Minister Burke.

“I visited Boher with Cllr Tom Farrell earlier in the year and met locals who outlined the need for these safety measures, and I am glad that Minister Heather Humphreys has agreed to fund this proposal.

“The community and pupils of the school will be a lot safer now and I am glad to see that the Boher community is a beneficiary of this significant government investment.”

Streete has received funding for new public toilets, handwashing and drinking water facilities, a disability toilet, baby changing facility and a new isolation and recovery room with responder equipment.

“In particular since the Covid-19 restrictions were put in place, we have seen the need for good quality public toilet facilities accessible to all, which we are lacking particularly in rural locations,” said Minister Burke.

“This new facility will mean families can enjoy the outdoors and all we have here to offer while not worrying about children needing the bathroom or worrying about changing facilities for younger children and babies, which I know from experience can be a significant drawback to venturing out and about.

“The first responder equipment is also sound investment for the area, and I will be ensuring that the presence and location of the equipment is made clear to locals.

“Finally, Moyvore NS has also been allocated €50,000 for a new car park and footpath, which will benefit the school and the wider community.

“It is heartening to see the government’s continued commitment to investing in our rural communities, despite significant calls on state funding.

“We have seen more and more people work from home in recent months and consider relocating to rural communities which provide better value and a much-improved work life balance.

“We have great rural villages in Westmeath, and we need to maximise their potential through increased investment and improved facilities for families. I commend this funding and will be working to ensure further towns are supported through the CLAR scheme in the near future.”