Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 February 2022
355. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her proposals for further enhancement or expenditure under the town and village centre renewal scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9001/22]
View answerThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme aims to assist with the rejuvenation of rural towns and villages throughout Ireland, making them more attractive places to live, work and visit.
In line with the commitment in Our Rural Future, the 2021 scheme prioritised the renovation of derelict and vacant buildings in our town centres, with a view to bringing these buildings back into use. I also increased the maximum grant available under the Scheme last year to €500,000 to permit projects of additional scale to be funded. The assessment of the applications made under the 2021 scheme is now being finalised and I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects and the level of funding approved for each local authority shortly.
Last year I also introduced a €7 million Streetscape Enhancement Measure under the Scheme to help improve the visual appearance of over 120 towns and villages the length and breadth of the country. I also allocated funding for investment in digital hubs as part of a Connected Hubs Fund.
I was delighted to secure increased funding across the range of rural development schemes in Budget 2022, and my officials are currently working on the follow up Town and Village Renewal Scheme for 2022. While the details are still being finalised, there is no doubt that we will again be prioritising projects that bring vacant and derelict buildings back into use and promote residential occupancy in town centres. I will be announcing the details of the 2022 scheme in the coming months.
