Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
1590. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will consider extending the completion date required for works funded under the auspices of the town and village renewal scheme in view of the fact that Covid-19 restrictions have hampered the progression of these works in many communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33359/20]
View answerI recognise that, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, some communities and Local Authorities have experienced difficulties in completing projects which were approved for funding under various programmes operated by my Department, including the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
My Department is in touch with Local Authorities on an ongoing basis to review progress in delivering projects under the various schemes and has provided flexibility with regard to the completion dates for projects where the situation warrants it.
Projects approved under the Accelerated Measure of the 2020 Town and Village Renewal Scheme were approved on the basis that they could be delivered quickly in order to have an immediate impact on their communities. If issues arise with completing individual projects, my Department is open to considering requests for time extensions with the Local Authorities on a case by case basis, having regard to the full circumstances of the project.
