Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 June 2023
300. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will clarify how much of a grant from her Department (details supplied) has been drawn down by Kerry County Council; the timescale involved for the drawdown; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29012/23]
View answerThe Town Centre First Policy is a major cross-government policy that aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres.
The Town Centre First National Implementation Office was established last year and will be key to the success of the policy. The Office drives implementation at national level, supports the network of Town Regeneration Officers at a local level and coordinates stakeholder engagement. This structure has been put in place within the Local Government Management Association, and my officials are in ongoing contact with the National Office.
Central to the Town Centre First approach is the range of support funding in place, including my Department’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
Additionally in December 2021 I announced the Town Centre First Plan Initiative where I selected 26 pilot towns, that had been nominated by local authorities, to receive €100,000 in funding to develop a Town Centre First Plan. In an effort to give life to this process and encourage an early start on the process I made an initial payment of 75% of this funding to local authorities.
I can confirm that Milltown in Kerry was selected as the first pilot town and received their initial tranche of funding in December 2021. The first phase of plans are due for completion at the end of June and my officials are continuing to engage with local authorities on this process. The remaining funding can be drawn down upon completion.
I remain committed to ensuring the success of the Town Centre First policy in delivering on the goal of revitalising rural towns and villages as set out in Our Rural Future.
