Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2023
8. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the measures being taken to tackle vacancy and dereliction in our towns and villages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49614/23]
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. It supports the Our Rural Future vision for a thriving rural Ireland which is integral to our national economic, social, cultural and environmental wellbeing and development.
A key aim of both this policy and the Our Rural Future Policy is addressing vacancy and dereliction and ensuring that the policies and schemes in place directly address and tackle these issues in our rural towns and villages. This complements other national policies such as Housing for All and the National Planning Framework which also aim to tackling vacancy and support local communities.
Central to the Town Centre First approach is the range of support funding in place, including my Department’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) and Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
I announced the next RRDF Category 1 call for applications on Friday last, with a focus on revitalising our rural towns and villages through planned and sustainable regeneration that will drive greater economic activity and footfall, address vacancy and dereliction and ensure the re-use of heritage and other existing buildings.
Similarly, the 2023 Town and Village Renewal Scheme will attract applications will clearly address issues of vacancy and dereliction. This year's scheme close for applications last week and I look forward to seeing a range of high quality proposals emerging from the assessment process which is now underway.
I also expect to be in a position to announce details of allocations under this years Building Acquisition Measure shortly. This measure directly supports local authorities to purchase vacant and derelict building for future development for community purposes.
My Department remains committed to the success of the Town Centre First policy to deliver on the goal of revitalising rural towns and villages as set out in Our Rural Future.
