Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 October 2021
32. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the promised €2 million scheme to fund the development of town masterplans; the details of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50136/21]
View answerA pilot scheme on supporting Town Centre Living, funded by my Department, sought to explore how to encourage increased residential occupancy in rural towns and villages and how to address the issue of vacant properties
An independent report on the pilot, published last year, highlighted the value of developing a shared vision or masterplan for individual towns. This was as part of the process to counteract vacancy and dereliction, and to make these town centres more attractive places in which to live. The importance of such plans is also being emphasised in discussions on the Town Centre First approach.
An additional €2 million has been allocated, as part of the expanded Town and Village Renewal Scheme, to underpin the preparation of such masterplans and to guide the strategic development of rural towns and villages.
I anticipate that individual masterplans will include actions tailored to address the vacancy and town centre living issues specific to the towns in question. These will be developed in collaboration between the local government sector, local community organisations, business interests, residents, and other stakeholders.
The approach to delivering these plans has been discussed with the local government sector and is being informed by, and aligned with, the outcome of the forthcoming Town Centre First Policy. The details of the €2 million funding package is currently being finalised in line with the finalisation of the Town Centre First Policy.
