Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2017
425. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs further to the recent launch of the Action Plan for Rural Development, her plans to include the town of Rathkeale, County Limerick, by way of an enhanced town and village renewal scheme, in view of the need for the provision of moneys for the rejuvenation of the town centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4360/17]
View answerThe Action Plan for Rural Development contains a number of measures which have the objective of rejuvenating Ireland’s rural towns and villages to make them more attractive places in which to live and work and to increase their tourism potential.
As part of Budget 2017, I have secured funding of €12 million for an enhanced Town and Village Renewal scheme this year. This represents a trebling of the original 2016 baseline allocation of €4 million for the scheme.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme for 2017 will be launched shortly, and towns and villages to be included in the scheme, including in County Limerick, will be selected through an application and assessment process. The scheme will be funded by my Department and administered by the Local Authorities.
Full details of the scheme and the application process will be made available when the scheme is launched.
