VFI welcomes rural funding initiative

The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland has welcomed the recent announcement by the Department of Rural and Community Development that €21.6 million will be used to fund the 2017 Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

In making the announcement the Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring TD said that the funds are an important part of his Department’s work to rejuvenate and revitalise rural Ireland.

As the representative body for publicans who live and work in these towns the VFI has long advocated such investment.

The announcement is welcome news for many towns and villages across Ireland, commented VFI Chief Executive Padraig Cribben, “While major cities have recovered since the recession rural VFI areas remain affected by decreasing populations and infrastructure deficits. Government investment in rural Ireland is one significant step towards helping these areas regain lost ground.”