Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 September 2023
300. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the assessment of all town-and-village scheme applications; and when she expects to announce the funding. [41999/23]
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 €156 million has been allocated to more than 1,700 projects across Ireland. The Scheme has supported towns and villages the length and breadth of the country.
TVRS is a key driver of the national Rural Development Policy, Our Rural Future, and the Town Centre First Policy. In line with the commitment in Our Rural Future, TVRS priorities are reviewed at the end of each scheme year to ensure that funding is targeted effectively to support vibrant and attractive communities and to respond to changing needs and opportunities.
This year's Scheme has a renewed focus on town centre economic and social vibrancy and regeneration. This will be achieved through projects focusing on town centre regeneration, enhancing our streetscapes and bringing vacant and derelict buildings back into use as community multi-purpose spaces through refurbishment and renovation.
The Scheme is currently open and the closing date for receipt of applications from Local Authorities to the Department is close of business on 10 November 2023.
Funding under the Scheme is awarded on a competitive basis, with all applications being assessed for suitability against scheme criteria and objectives. Other relevant considerations which inform the assessment process include the number and progress of TVRS projects in the relevant local authority, and the geographical spread of projects. It is expected that successful projects will be announced in Quarter 1 of 2024.
