Phil Hogan – Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, recently announced that a one off fund of just under €3 million will be provided to local authorities for enhancement schemes in 2014 – and it looks as if Delvin might be getting a slice of that pie.

Many will recall that a fund of €750,000 which was allocated for local enhancements in 2009 was later re-routed as the national economy went into freefall. It is now hoped that footpaths along the Main Street will at last be replaced and that other works will be carried out. In addition, Delvin Tidy Towns – who are set to launch this year’s campaign in the coming days, are optimistic that some necessary road repairs will be carried out this year as well.

Aside from council funded projects, a number of local businesses have also refreshed their premises. Last year, Tierney’s installed a new shop front and more recently, few will have missed the work underway at McCormack’s Stores which has been undergoing a major refurbishment – inside and out. A new grocery is also expected to open within weeks, and time will tell what plans the new owner/s of the derelict property next to The Camán Inn have in store for the site.

So while some may still be struggling to make ends meet, it is surely a positive sign that confidence is returning to our village and that we will all (hopefully) benefit from that looking forward.