Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
80. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress that has been made on the initiative to encourage increased residential occupancy in town and village centres as outlined in the action plan for rural development, by county; when the initiative is expected to commence; the funding made available for the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27614/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development, which was launched on 23rd January, contains a number of measures which have the objective of rejuvenating Ireland’s rural towns and villages to make them more attractive places in which to live and work, and to increase their tourism potential.
I launched an enhanced Town and Village Renewal Scheme on 13th April last, with a focus on improving the economic development of our rural towns and villages. Funding of €20 million has been made available under the scheme, which will support up to 300 towns and villages over the next 12 months.
It is intended to separately launch a pilot scheme later this year to encourage residential occupancy in rural towns and villages. The pilot will examine ways in which properties that are currently not in use in town centres can be renovated to allow them to be used for residential purposes. The scheme will be aimed at owner-occupiers.
Details of the initiative are being developed in consultation with relevant Departments and full particulars will be announced when the pilot is launched. I expect to make initial funding of €2 million available for the scheme in 2017. Funding will not be allocated on a county basis under this initiative.
