Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2021
734. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a community sports, recreation and youth facility consisting of playing pitches, walkways and recreation areas in proximity to a growing village can be considered partly or in whole under the qualifying criteria for the town and village renewal scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54612/21]
View answerThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) provides funding to support the revitalisation of our rural towns and villages and make them more attractive places to live, work, socialise and raise a family. The initiative is a key part of Our Rural Future – the Government’s five year strategy to revitalise rural Ireland.
This year's scheme closed to applications on 16 July 2021. It placed particular emphasis on projects supporting remote working and enhancing town centre living as outlined in Our Rural Future.
Other eligible TVRS projects included proposals to develop parks, green spaces and recreational amenities in town centres to make them vibrant hubs for community enjoyment, and to increase footfall for local businesses. Only applications for funding for public or community owned or leased properties were considered and projects must have been located in the town or village centre.
The focus of the 2022 scheme will be reviewed in advance of the launch of the scheme next year. I would advise potential applicants to discuss the eligibility of projects with their local authority.
