Rural and Community Development | Town and village renewal schemes

To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the full extent of awards made by her Department under the town and village renewal scheme throughout the country; her expectations in respect of this or similar schemes in the next year; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY

The Town and Village Renewal Scheme aims to assist with the rejuvenation of rural towns and villages throughout Ireland, making them more attractive places to live, work, and visit. In line with the commitment in Our Rural Future, the 2022 scheme prioritised the renovation of derelict and vacant buildings in our town centres, with a view to bringing these buildings back into use.

Since it was first introduced in 2016 over €149 million has been allocated to more than 1,600 projects across Ireland.  It has supported a range of activities from improving public realm areas to initiatives such as the development of enterprise hubs and remote working facilities. These projects have been identified and developed by local community groups and businesses, in conjunction with their local authorities.

Each year the priorities for the scheme are reviewed and revised as appropriate by my Department. This year priority was given to projects that brought vacant and derelict buildings and sites back into use as multi-purpose spaces making our town and village centres more vibrant and attractive places to live and work.

I was delighted to announce details of allocations worth €27m under the Scheme yesterday.  This incorporates a wide range of locally driven projects that will breathe new life into towns and villages across rural Ireland. Full details of all the approved projects are available on my Department’s website.

Each year the priorities and focus of the scheme are reviewed and revised as appropriate and following this a decision will be made as to the structure and timing of the next call under the scheme.