Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 May 2017
194. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when a scheme of financial assistance and tax incentives will be introduced to assist in the upgrading of single rural houses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26223/17]
View answerAs part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development, I launched an enhanced Town and Village Renewal Scheme on 13 April last. This Scheme will focus on improving the economic development of our rural towns and villages.
Funding of €20 million has been made available under the scheme, which will support up to 300 towns and villages over the next 15 months.
I plan to launch a separate pilot scheme later this year to encourage residential occupancy in rural towns and villages. The scheme will be aimed at owner-occupiers and will examine ways in which properties that are currently not in use in town and village centres can be restored or renovated to allow them to be used for residential purposes. The pilot will not apply to houses in rural areas outside of towns and villages.
Details of the scheme are being finalised in consultation with relevant Departments and full particulars will be announced when the pilot scheme is launched later in the year.
