Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 October 2016
27. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the status of the town and village renewal scheme; the number of applications received in respect of towns and villages in counties Longford and Westmeath; when she expects to announce successful applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31138/16]
View answerI launched the Town and Village Renewal Scheme on 9th August this year, as part of the Government’s programme to support rural development.
The scheme is administered through the Local Authorities who were each invited, in consultation with local communities and businesses, to submit up to 8 proposals to my Department by the end of September for approval. A total of €380,000 is available to each Local Authority under the scheme to cover their proposals. Up to 85% of the total project cost will be provided in grant aid for approved projects. The minimum grant payable is €20,000; the maximum grant is €100,000.
A total of 172 applications for funding were received by my Department under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and my officials are currently assessing these applications. The assessments will be completed by the end of October and the successful projects will be announced shortly after that.
I can confirm that 8 applications were received in respect of towns and villages in Co. Longford and 7 applications were received in respect of towns and villages in Co. Westmeath.
