Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023
77. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the way her Department will work with local authorities to encourage them to apply for new funding for the town and village renewal scheme; if there will be a minimum submission requirement for each local authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19346/23]
View answerThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme over €149 million has been allocated to more than 1,600 projects across Ireland. The Scheme has supported towns and villages the length and breadth of the country.
In line with the commitment in Our Rural Future, Ireland's rural development policy, TVRS prioritises are reviewed at the end of each scheme year to ensure that funding is targeted effectively to support vibrant and attractive communities. The review process for the 2023 Town and Village Renewal Scheme is currently at an advanced stage and I intend to launch the 2023 scheme in June of this year.
My Department works with local authorities on an ongoing basis. For example, my officials facilitated a workshop on rural development investment programmes on 19 April 2023 for local authority staff which included a focus on the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. This was another important opportunity to encourage engagement with the scheme, to clarify any queries in relation to developing applications, and to consult with our key delivery partners in relation to the most effective operation of the scheme.
Further information and assistance will be available following the launch the 2023 scheme in June. As the details of the scheme have not yet been finalised, I am unable to confirm the submission requirements at present.
The TVRS Team in my Department is on hand to assist with any queries that may arise from local authorities during the process of advertising, preparing and submitting applications to the scheme to ensure the Scheme has the maximum impact.
