Minister Calleary Opens Key Rural Development Projects in Wexford

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Dara Calleary TD will officially opened a series of significant rural development projects in County Wexford today under the Rural Future initiative. The Minister's visit begins in New Ross, where he will reopen The Shambles, a historic site that has undergone a major transformation through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. This revitalized public space enhances pedestrian access and complements the heritage building, which is now a hub for community activities and tourism. Next, the Minister will visit Ballymitty, where he will turn the sod for a new community centre, funded by the Community Centre Investment Fund with an allocation of €1.4 million. He then will travel to Taghmon, where the site for an expanded community centre was acquired with funding from the 2025 Building or Land Acquisition Measure. These initiatives aim to strengthen local services and enhance community spaces. In Our Lady’s Island, Minister Calleary will  preside over the sod turning for a new community gym at the GAA Club, receiving €144,990 in funding for the project. The day will conclude with the opening of the Bank Community and Enterprise Hub in Rosslare Harbour, a project aimed at supporting local businesses and community groups through refurbished office and meeting spaces. The Minister is also set to announce the launch of the National Development Plan (NDP) Sectoral Plan, which will guide future investments in rural and urban communities. This plan includes key funding to enhance piers and facilities in island communities and supports the promotion of the Irish language and RAPID-style programmes for disadvantaged urban areas.