Two outdoor seating areas are set to be built on Main Street Letterkenny to encourage dining and social distancing outside during Covid-19.
Parklets have sprung up in cities around the world recently to convert parking spaces into public open spaces for shoppers to sit, rest and eat.
€40,000 has been granted for two such spaces in Letterkenny under the Accelerated Measure of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
Letterkenny is one of four Donegal towns and villages to benefit from a further €115,500 in funding to help them adjust to COVID-19 restrictions.
The fund supports measures that will encourage people into towns and villages to shop and socialise, while adhering to public health guidelines.
Downings will receive €40,000 to improve the visual amenity of the village and undertake a promotion campaign.
Ardara has been granted €25,000 to improve accessibility and appearance of the village with landscaping, awnings, seating and all weather picnic area.
Frosses will receive €9,500 for a temporary covering at the Frosses Community Hall, provision of bike stands, outdoor sockets and seating.
These projects have been identified by Local Authorities in conjunction with local community groups and businesses.
Donegal Fine Gael TD Joe McHugh has welcomed the allocations announced today: “The projects approved under today’s funding will assist businesses and communities in these towns and villages across our County to adapt to the specific ongoing challenges being posed by COVID-19, such as social distancing and catering for outdoor events, and to generate vital economic activity in the short-term,” Deputy McHugh said.
This funding announced today is in addition to €6.1 million allocated by Minister Humphreys to towns and villages across Ireland since July under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme for COVID-19 adaptations.
“The funding approved will be used for adapting outdoor spaces for social gatherings, for the hosting of outdoor events; marketing campaigns to entice people back into our towns and villages; and investment in developing or improving the online presence of towns and villages; to make these towns and villages more welcoming,” said McHugh.
