Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017
745. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the details of funding allocated to the town and village renewal scheme by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20108/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI launched the initial Town and Village Renewal Scheme in July 2016, with funding of €10 million to support the rejuvenation of rural towns and villages across Ireland. A sum of €380,000 was allocated to each county, and each county, through the Local Authorities, was invited to submit up to 8 proposals for consideration for funding. Details of the 170 towns and villages which were successful under the 2016 scheme, broken down by county, are available on my Department’s website, at: http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/more-than-170-towns-and-villages-benefit-from-funding-under-e10m-town-and-village-renewal-scheme-minister-humphreys/
On 13 April this year, I launched an enhanced Town and Village Renewal Scheme as part of the Action Plan for Rural Development. This scheme will see €20 million in funding being invested in towns and villages across rural Ireland over the next 15 months.
The 2017 scheme will be operated via the Local Authorities in close collaboration with community and business interests, and I anticipate that up to 300 towns and villages will benefit from funding. The scheme is targeted at rural towns and villages with populations of less than 10,000 people.
Projects which have clear positive economic impacts on the town/village or which stimulate economic activity between a town/village and its neighbouring townlands will be particularly welcome, as will projects which demonstrate leveraging of, or linkages with, other schemes operated by Government Departments or agencies (e.g. in the areas of heritage, arts, culture, tourism, tidy towns, recreational facilities, re-use of vacant premises, vacant sites, energy efficiency schemes, etc.).
Full details of the application process have been issued to the Local Authorities and the closing date for applications is 30 June 2017.
The 2017 scheme will operate on a competitive funding basis. Applications will be assessed on their own merits, rather than on a county basis, and funding will be allocated to the best projects. However, given the level of interest in the scheme last year, I would hope to see a good spread of high quality projects across the country.
