Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
829. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department will provide funding to set up a digital hub at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44025/21]
View answerThe proposed investment referred to by the Deputy may be eligible under my Department's Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) which supports the revitalisation of Ireland's rural towns and villages. The scheme is administered through the Local Authorities.
This year's Scheme places particular emphasis on projects supporting remote working and enhancing town centre living as outlined in “Our Rural Future – Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025.” Under this year's scheme, projects that bring vacant properties in town centres back into use as remote working hubs are eligible for funding. Projects that repurpose existing community or publicly owned buildings in town or village centres to facilitate remote working are also eligible.
I can confirm that an application for funding under this scheme was not received by my Department this year in respect of the particular investment referred to by the Deputy. The Deputy may wish to explore, with Kerry County Council, the eligibility of the proposed investment and the potential for an application under the scheme in future years.
