Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021
706. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to put measures in place to support the refurbishment of vacant property in rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60472/21]
View answerThe revitalisation of vacant properties is being addressed by a number of initiatives delivered by my Department in line with the commitments contained in Our Rural Future and as part of the Government's Housing for All
. In April, I announced investment of €81 million for 25 landmark projects under Category 1 of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. These projects will combat dereliction, increase the vibrancy of rural towns and villages and regenerate town centre buildings.
I have also announced funding of €15 million that is available under the 2021 Town & Village Renewal Scheme. A key focus of this year’s scheme is to renovate derelict and vacant buildings in our town centres, including for residential living. I have increased the maximum grant available under the Scheme to €500,000 to permit projects of additional scale to be funded. I expect to announce the successful projects shortly.
The new Croí Cónaithe (Towns) fund, as outlined in Housing for All , will also provide a grant to support the refurbishment of vacant properties where the level of vacancy or dereliction is high. I understand that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, together with the Housing Agency, is currently developing an operational basis for this new fund.
There are a range of other initiatives outlined in Our Rural Future which will contribute to addressing vacancy in our towns and villages, including the development of a Town Centre First Policy.
The new Town Centre First Policy is currently being developed and will be an important catalyst for Local Authorities and local stakeholders to plan for the revitalisation of their towns, and particularly to explore new and alternative uses for vacant and derelict properties in town centres.
