That's according to Irish Rural Link.
The funding for the Towns Centre First Scheme should be used to bring life back into midlands towns instead of just tidying them up.
Irish Rural Link is welcoming the announcement that 26 new towns, including Ferbane, Castlepollard and Mountmellick, have been added to the scheme.
The Department of Rural and Community Development says the aim of the initiative is to boost business and tourism, create community parks and walkways, and protect historical landmarks.
Irish Rural Link CEO Seamus Boland says foot fall is necessary for these areas to thrive:
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