Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
632. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will set out the supports and grant aid her Department can provide in respect of establishing and-or reinstating market spaces in counties that do not have a town with city status. [53192/23]
View answerThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was launched in 2016 and since then over €156 million has been allocated to more than 1,700 projects. The 2023 Scheme, launched on 21 July 2023 with an overall fund of €15 million, places particular emphasis on projects that bring economic and social vibrancy to town centres and which will encourage more people to return to town and village centres to work, shop and socialise. As committed under Our Rural Future, Ireland's rural development policy, and in line with the Town Centre First Policy, 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 encourage people back to living in our rural towns and villages. The 2023 scheme included a focus on town or village centre markets such as farmers markets, open-air markets, local trader markets, artisan markets or similar. Applications for grant funding for the provision of infrastructure to support the facilitation of these outdoor markets including public realm works, service provisions and canopies were welcomed. The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is administered through local authorities, who work closely with local communities and businesses to develop proposals that can make a lasting impact on rural towns and villages. The closing date for receipt of applications was 10th November 2023. All applications received by the Department are assessed as part of a competitive process and I will announce the successful applicants under the scheme in 2024.
