Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 February 2022
47. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the national oversight advisory group in relation to the town centre first policy; the membership of the group; the terms of reference of the group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8498/22]
View answerThe Government recently published Town Centre First - A Policy Approach for Irish Towns. This publication represents a major new policy that aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres. It contains 33 actions which will give our towns the tools and resources they need to become more viable and attractive places in which to live, work, socialise and run a business.
Ensuring support from across Government departments and agencies is important to deliver a whole-of-Government approach. In this regard, a National Oversight and Advisory Group will be established to monitor and guide the delivery of the policy, and provide a shared forum for engaging with Government departments and national stakeholders. The work of the group will be underpinned by Annual Implementation Plans and a commitment to review the policy at three-year intervals.
The policy notes that the group may include Government departments, the Local Government sector, agencies central to supporting towns, other experts, and sectoral business and community representatives, as appropriate. The exact membership and terms or reference of the group will be finalised once the proposed National Town Centre First Office has been established.
The Local Government sector will play a key role in delivering this national office and discussions with my Department are at an advanced stage in this regard.
