Minister Hogan approves €196,000 approx. funding for a unique tourism and heritage attraction ‘The Farm’ Grenagh, Co Cork.

Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government announced today (30th January, 2012) that he has given sanction to Avondhu/Blackwater Partnership Ltd to approve funding of up to €195,615.94 to “The Farm”, Grenagh, Co Cork  This funding, provided under the Diversification measure of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 will provide financial support to allow Forde Products (Cork) to develop a unique tourism, cultural/educational and heritage attraction. “The Farm” is an integrated agri-tourism, educational and recreational development consisting of a multifunctional building that will house a cáfe/restaurant, classrooms, office, craft shop, an indoor play area and an outdoor playground.

Announcing the funding Minister Hogan said: “This is an exceptional example of a project that will support the diversification of the rural economy in Grenagh, Co Cork, one of the main aims of the RDP. The promoter in this case is using the resources they already have to develop their business and at the same time generate employment, full time, part time and seasonal in rural cork. The RDP was specifically designed to support this type of investment not only to diversify the rural economy but also to develop facilities and amenities in rural areas that are of benefit to local communities and visitors to the area alike.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish the promoter Forde Products (Cork) the very best as they move forward with this development that will, I have no doubt, make a significant contribution to the rural economy of Cork going forward.” The LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme offer significant financial resources to rural entrepreneurs and it is critical in the current economic environment that entrepreneurial spirit is harnessed and supported to avail of these resources and further develop their businesses, having both direct and indirect positive effects on their local economies.

The Minister added, “This project will now go back to the Board of Avondhu/Blackwater Partnership Ltd for the final approval. This is in line with the EU’s “bottom-up” approach to rural development”.