‘Hub towns’ denied access to some state funds, TD warns

THE designation of nine towns as regional growth centres is preventing them from applying for certain state grants which could help drive development.

A Labour TD from one of the towns – which has launched an ambitious ‘smart economy’ pilot project – has called on the Government to address the anomaly that he says is putting them at a disadvantage.

“It is ironic that you designate a hub town under the National Spatial Strategy but yet those very towns are impeded from progressing or drawing down state funds,” Sean Sherlock said.