Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
2167. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will establish a grant scheme towards the renovation of derelict rural properties for the purposes of providing tourism accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43731/22]
View answerThe Government recently published Town Centre First - A Policy Approach for Irish Towns. This policy is a key deliverable of Our Rural Future, and represents a whole of Government policy to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres. It contains a range of actions which will give our towns the tools and resources required to become viable, vibrant and attractive places to live, work, and socialise.
The policy is underpinned by significant levels of public investment spread across major Government schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, the Croí Conaithe (Towns) Fund and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme, for example, aims to assist with the rejuvenation of rural towns and villages throughout Ireland, making them more attractive places to live, work, and visit. This year, I introduced a new measure under the 2022 scheme providing up to €400,000 for each eligible local authority to purchase vacant and derelict buildings for future community use.
Funding may be available for the type of project referred to by the Deputy through the LEADER Programme. LEADER is a multi-annual programme covering the period 2014-2022 which is delivered through 29 Local Action Groups (LAGs) around the country.
Support under the LEADER programme is provided under a broad range of themes, including Economic Development, Enterprise Development and Job Creation. This theme focuses on driving continued local economic development, including diversification of the rural economy, and the creation of employment opportunities for the local community.
In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved Local Development Strategy for the relevant LEADER area, and it must comply with the Operating Rules and EU Regulations in place for the programme.
Prospective applicants should, in the first instance, contact their relevant LAG, through its Implementing Partner, to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available. The list of all Local Action Groups, their Implementing Partners and their contact details, is available on the Gov.ie website at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/c45498-local-action-groups.
