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Action Plan for Rural Development Implementation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 November 2018

Thursday, 8 November 2018

Questions (15)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

15. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the work of the Action Plan for Rural Development specifically relating to the revitalisation of towns and villages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45963/18]

View answer

Written answers

The Action Plan for Rural Development includes a number of measures for delivery by a range of Departments and other bodies to support the revitalisation of our rural towns and villages. 

From my own Department's perspective, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme is a key component in the revitalisation of rural towns and villages. In total, almost €53 million has been approved for more than 670 projects across the country under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme since it was introduced in the second half of 2016.   I recently announced details of 224 projects which were approved for funding of more than €21 million under the 2018 Town and Village Renewal Scheme.  

I also recently announced details of a pilot scheme to encourage increased residential occupancy in our towns and villages.  This scheme will provide up to €100,000 each, to six towns of different sizes and in different locations to help them to identify solutions to encourage more people to live in their town centre.  The objective is that the experience from this pilot scheme will help other towns and villages around the country to identify what might work well in their particular area.

The new €1 billion Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, which was announced by the Government as part of Project Ireland 2040, will also provide an opportunity to deliver ambitious and integrated projects which will further support the revitalisation of our rural towns and villages. Details of the first group of projects to be supported under the Fund will be announced shortly.

 On the basis of the progress made to date, the target in the Action Plan for Rural Development to support the revitalisation of over 600 rural towns and villages over the period 2017 to 2020 will be exceeded.  My objective is to ensure that the investment made in these towns and villages has a sustainable impact that will make them more attractive places in which to live and work, and to visit.

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