Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, yesterday visited Co. Waterford to officiate at a series of openings and sod turnings for projects aimed at strengthening communities and supporting regeneration across the county.

The visit began at Cappoquin where Minister Calleary officially opened the Cappoquin Railway Bridge Loop Walk which received investment from the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS). This walk will benefit locals and visitors enhancing business and tourism in the area.

Staying in Cappoquin, Minister Calleary next visited two sites included in the Cappoquin Town Regeneration and Renewal Project, a strategic and innovative response to combating dereliction and breathing new life into the town. Supported with €7.2 million through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), the project includes the renovation of a series of former vacant and derelict buildings in the town centre, including the former Moore’s Hotel, for residential accommodation and commercial space.

Speaking in Cappoquin, Minister Calleary said:

“I know that this ongoing regeneration, supported by funding from my Department, is having a very positive impact in promoting the town, including instilling confidence in investors to undertake privately funded renovation of buildings.

“As a result of the strategic vision by Waterford Council, its project partners, and targeted Government investment through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, this has helped breathe new life into the town.

“Of course, the work does not end here, and these projects are an example of what can be achieved by supporting and developing our rural towns and villages.”

Travelling to Lismore, Minister Calleary officially opened a new glamping pod facility, delivered through funding provided under the Community Recognition Fund (CRF) and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS). Funding of over €121,000 was provided to Waterford City and County Council under CRF to develop this new facility while €200,000 had been provided under TVRS to facilitate the acquisition of the former Bank of Ireland building where this is located.

Opening the glamping pods, Minister Calleary said:

“It is a pleasure to be here in Lismore, today and to witness first-hand the impact the Community Recognition Fund and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme have in the delivery of this new Glamping Pod facility.

“This project exemplifies how the various funds my Department operates can collaborate to deliver exciting new amenities to local communities.

“Through thoughtful design focused on inclusivity and sustainability, this project will generate employment opportunities, attract visitors and benefit the wider community for years to come.”

Next, the Minister travelled to An Rinn where he cut the ribbon at Cóbh Heilbhic and made a visit to Coláiste na Rinne. ORIS funding of €30,000 was used to update the changing rooms on the beach to increase accessibility to, and use of, the beach for swimmers, snorkellers and scuba divers, both from the local area and tourists visiting the area.  Also at An Rinn, Minister Calleary turned the sod at Páirc Uí Shíotcháin, where TVRS funding of €283,386 will deliver a dedicated green space for the community with a resurfaced car park, lighting, bike stands, picnic areas and a coffee dock stand.

The Minister also visited Lemybrien, for the official opening of a public realm project in Lemybrien Village Centre, and Kilrossanty to open upgrades to Mahon Bridge Trailhead that will facilitate access to Crough Wood and the Comeragh Mountains.

Minister Calleary then travelled to Portlaw where he opened three new walking trails at Tower Hill Woods.

As part of his visit to Waterford, the Minister also officially opened the KOKORO Visitor and Cultural Centre in the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens in Tramore, which was approved for LEADER funding of almost €160,000 and also receives funding under the Community Services Programme. The event was also attended by the Japanese Ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Miyagawa Manabu.

Minister Calleary said:

“The facility celebrates the life and legacy of Lafcadio Hearn, who spent part of his childhood in Tramore before later settling in Japan, where he became internationally recognised for his writings on Japanese culture and folklore. I am glad my department could support this wonderful facility which acts as a cultural bridge between Ireland and Japan.”

Travelling to the outskirts of Waterford City, the Minister opened the Brill Family Resource Centre (BFRC).  Under the Community Centre Investment Fund, Brill Family Resource Centre received funding towards construction works and the establishment of new bakery and cookery school. The Cookery school will have 12 cooking stations and support local families, individuals, disability services and homeless services leading to healthier families and communities while supporting people to build practical cooking skills and independence.

Next, Minister Calleary visited Carrickphierish Recreation Park, where €450,000 from the Community Recognition Fund (CRF) is being used to design and construct a playground, exercise area, multi-use games area, the planting of trees and shrubs and works on paths and lighting.

Finally, Minister Calleary visited the Waterford Greenway where he opened a Biodiversity hotspot and pocket recreation area connecting SETU West Campus to the Greenway.

Speaking at the Greenway, Minister Calleary said:

“By integrating a Greenway rest stop with an educational biodiversity zone, this initiative delivers dual benefits. It promotes outdoor recreation and wellbeing while supporting year-round tourism and local economic activity.

“It is deeply rewarding to see my Department drive meaningful, tangible change in our towns and villages. With the delivery of outstanding projects like this one, I can confidently say we are bringing the vision of Our Rural Future closer to reality than ever before.”