€100,000 in funding has today (Thursday) been announced to develop the first ever Town Centre First Plan in the county.

As part of the initiative, Kerry County Council will be provided with the funding to support the development of its own unique master plan for Milltown.

These Plans (to be known as Town Centre First Plans) will be central to the delivery of the Town Centre First Policy at a local level as they will chart the path forward for the revitalisation of each town as a desirable place to live, work, socialise and operate a business.

It is envisaged that the plans will cover the importance of place-making, town centre living, the social and economic purpose of the town, and respond to emerging opportunities such as those linked to remote working, climate action and digitalisation. The plans will also be central to addressing vacancy and dereliction in Milltown.

The process of a creating the plan is a collaborative exercise, supported by Kerry County Council, that will involve stakeholders such as community representatives, local residents and business people, and other stakeholders as part of a Town Team.

This initiative is a key part of 'Our Rural Future' – the Government’s ambitious five year strategy designed to reimagine and revitalise Rural Ireland.

It is also linked to the Government’s ‘Housing for All’ strategy and the forthcoming ‘Town Centre First Policy’, which will be announced in the coming weeks.

“This significant funding for Milltown will facilitate the development of a plan to support the future potential and advancement of this growing and vibrant town,” Minister Foley, welcoming the news, said.