Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring has approved €350,000 in Leader supports for two projects – one in Ballina and the other in Lahardane

 €200,000 has been allocated to Nephin Whiskey Malting Plant, Lahardane to purchase equipment for the development of a malting plant, which will provide peat-smoked malt for the distillery industry.

€150,000 has been allocated to IRD North Mayo West Sligo to establish a sustainable music festival of international standing in Ballina. This was successfully piloted in September, 2018 as Local Voices.

 Minister Ring told Midwest News today that these are a major announcement for the two communities and will provide a significant financial boost.