Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 March 2025
98. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will provide an update on a project (details supplied) in Kells, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10173/25]
View answerThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a capital investment fund that is key to the delivery of Ireland's rural development policy, Our Rural Future.
Meath County Council is the lead partner for the Kells Creative Placemaking (Phase 1) project. The project has been allocated over €1.5 million under the RRDF.
This project includes the extensive conservation and repairs to the former sawmills in Kells, encompassing a commercial letterpress workshop, operating Victorian machines and historical archives. Kells Print Works will form a new Centre for Typography.
I am also advised that Kells Print Works will partner with national educational institutions in the delivery of professional skills based training, and also with Boyne Valley Tourism in the development of a cohesive tourism product.
I understand that the historical print presses have now been fully restored and are in awaiting placement in the Kells Printworks. Meath County Council has advised my officials that the Print Works building is nearing completion and it is the Council’s intention that the building will be completed, and the centre opened to the public this summer.
