County Limerick Historic Sites Revitalized with €1.2 Million Boost

Two significant rural regeneration projects in County Limerick are set to receive over €1.2 million in funding. This investment aims to revitalize the Merchant’s House site in Kilmallock and the former Bank of Ireland building in Rathkeale. The funding is part of a broader initiative that allocates €20 million nationwide for the revitalization of 29 key projects.

Minister of State and Limerick TD Niall Collins announced the funding, which is distributed through the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF). This initiative is designed to rejuvenate town centres, stimulate economic growth, address issues of dereliction, enhance pedestrian areas, and promote tourism across rural Ireland.

Minister Collins expressed enthusiasm for the funding, stating, “Fantastic news today that the Merchant House Site in Kilmallock and the former Bank of Ireland Building in Rathkeale have received significant funding.” He emphasized the importance of these projects for preserving the heritage and history of rural Limerick, asserting that the funding will attract more vibrancy and tourism to both towns.

In his announcement, Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary highlighted the selection of successful projects from a recent call for proposals. He stated, “I am delighted to announce the successful projects selected from applications received in response to the latest ‘Call for Proposals’ under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.”

The RRDF, part of the larger Project Ireland 2040, has a budget of €1 billion aimed at ensuring rural Ireland remains vibrant and balanced in its growth. Minister Calleary affirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing rural communities, noting, “In 2025, we continue to roll out unprecedented levels of investment in rural Ireland—making our towns and villages better places to live, work, raise a family, and run a business.”

The Minister also remarked on the ambitious nature of the projects funded this round, stating that they will have a transformative effect across the country. He emphasized that these initiatives would benefit tens of thousands of families in rural areas, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

The projects in Kilmallock and Rathkeale are classified as RRDF Category 2 projects. This classification allows project leaders to undertake essential planning, design, and technical work, paving the way for larger scale RRDF applications in the future.

Minister Calleary concluded by congratulating the successful applicants and noted that feedback would be provided to those who were not selected, aiding them in future proposals. As these projects develop, they promise to contribute significantly to the cultural and economic landscape of County Limerick, fostering a renewed sense of community and opportunity.