Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 February 2022
14. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the criteria that each local authority must meet when developing their town centre first plans; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8766/22]
View answer16. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 812 of 14 December 2021, when the 26 Town Centre First plans will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8497/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 16 together.
In December last, I announced €2.6 million in funding to deliver Town Centre First Plans in 26 towns across the country. The development of such plans is a central part of the Government’s overall Town Centre First policy which was launched earlier this month.
The funding will support each local authority, working with a collaborative Town Team, to develop a be-spoke Town Centre First Plan to guide the development of each town. As part of the initiative, each local authority will be provided with €100,000 to support the development of a unique vision for the town which will also outline specific interventions required to deliver on this vision. Each Local Authority has been provided with guidance as regards the contents of the Plans, which aligns with the details outlined in the Town Centre First policy.
The Town Centre First Plans should be developed collaboratively with local Town Teams involving community and business, as well as public and private stakeholders. It is envisaged that the Plans will cover the importance of “place-making”, town centre living, and the social and economic purpose of the town. They should respond to emerging opportunities such as those linked to remote working, climate action and digitalisation. The Plans will also be central to addressing vacancy and dereliction in these locations.
In addition to developing the plan, the funding can be used to cover any underlying analysis that must be undertaken to inform the development of the plan, capacity building required locally for the Town Team, or the initial delivery of some small interventions in the town, where the budget allows.
Local authorities have been requested to develop and finalise plans, and to utilise funding, within 18 months.
