Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 April 2019
499. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when details of the 2019 town and village renewal scheme will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15355/19]
View answerThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme forms an important part of the Action Plan for Rural Development and has the potential to stimulate economic recovery and job creation in towns and villages across rural Ireland. The scheme is specifically focused on rural towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000 people.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme was introduced in the second half of 2016 and, to date, almost €53 million has been approved for more than 670 projects across the country. These projects cover a range of activities, from improving the public realm to make towns and villages more attractive for locals and visitors alike, to job-creation initiatives such as the development of enterprise hubs and digital hubs.
I have secured an allocation of €15 million in my Department's budget this year for the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. Details of the 2019 scheme are currently being finalised by my officials and I anticipate that the scheme will be launched shortly.
