Five towns and villages in Fingal to benefit from over €1m in funding

A number of communities across Fingal have been included in a major funding boost, with over €1 million announced for the delivery of key projects that will breathe new life into towns and villages in the region.

The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, announced funding of €26 million for 116 projects in rural communities across the country under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS). In Fingal, there is €1,013,275 of funding being invested in Ballyboughal, Balrothery, Lusk, Rush and St Margaret’s.

The funding is to help rejuvenate town centres, drive economic growth and town footfall, combat dereliction and vacancy, develop pedestrian zones and outdoor spaces and boost tourism. It enables local authorities to develop a strong pipeline of projects and helps cover the costs required to bring proposals to a stage where they are fully designed and ready for construction.

Nearly €220,000 of TVRS funding was announced for the rural village of Ballyboughal to help deliver a major boost to town centre regeneration, starting with the creation of the exciting new ‘Fingal Camino’ route as part of a comprehensive wayfinding strategy. The project will encourage footfall, enhance placemaking, and provide well-defined gathering spaces. It also aims to improve access to the river walk, heritage trails, and biodiversity corridors, while introducing new seating, upgraded public lighting, and the illumination of key landmarks.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary welcomed the funding, saying: “The Government’s €1 million investment in five Fingal communities – Balrothery, Rush, Ballyboughal, Lusk, and St Margaret’s – is fantastic news. I’m especially excited about the ‘Fingal Camino Way,’ which promises to be a unique tourism experience for our county. This is a real vote of confidence in Fingal, and I want to commend our team of officials for their great work in securing this funding. I look forward to seeing these projects come to life in 2026.”

Rush has secured project development funding to carry out a feasibility study on transforming its town centre public realm, from Lower Main Street to the Harbour at the Tayleur Memorial. This initiative will shape proposals to boost civic, cultural, and economic vibrancy, supporting Rush’s evolution into a self-sustaining town and deliver enhanced community assets for a growing, heritage-rich community

Welcoming the announcement of funding Declan Ryan, Fingal's Town Regeneration Officer said that he and his team look forward to supporting the newly established Town Teams in Lusk, Rush, Balrothery, and Ballyboughal in the delivery of their projects. "Securing this funding fits with the Councils ongoing strategy in working with Town Teams through the Town Centre First Policy" he said.

Other funded projects include €49,500 for Balrothery to redevelop the historic Fair Green, restoring its traditional role with modern, heritage-sensitive facilities. Lusk will receive €195,075 for public realm improvements that encourage community interaction and biodiversity, featuring wayfinding, public art, and an edible landscape highlighting the medieval town core. St Margaret’s secures €500,000 to refurbish and extend its community hall, with essential upgrades and safety improvements.

Fingal recipients of Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2025