Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 November 2020
371. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the towns in counties Cavan and Monaghan which will benefit from the funding allocated for town centre masterplans in budget 2021. [37541/20]
View answerIn October 2018, my Department launched a Town Centre Living Initiative to explore in a holistic way how to encourage increased residential occupancy in rural towns and villages. The pilot focused on 6 towns with different characteristics in different parts of the country. Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan, was one of the towns included in the pilot.
An independent report on the pilot Town Centre Living Initiative was published on 22nd June 2020. The report outlines the approach taken by each town under the pilot and sets out the key issues identified to encourage increased town centre living and the repurposing of vacant properties for residential purposes.
The report, which is available on the Gov.ie website, highlights the multiplicity of factors that need to be addressed to encourage town centre living.
One of the key issues the report highlights is the importance of Local Authorities consulting with local communities and property owners on town centre development proposals, and the value of developing a shared vision or master plan for the town.
In that regard, I have secured an additional €2 million in Budget 2021 as part of the expanded Town and Village Renewal Scheme, which will be used to support the development of masterplans as a basis for the strategic development of our rural towns and villages. This initiative, which will support up to 50 towns and villages across the country, will be progressed early in 2021 and further details will be announced at that time.
