I propose to take Questions Nos. 960 and 964 together.
Vibrant towns and villages are at the heart of our rural communities and will play an important role in revitalising rural Ireland. The Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development, which was launched on 23rd January last, 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.
One of these measures is the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, which I launched last April, with a focus on improving the economic and social 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. The scheme is funded by my Department and delivered through the Local Authorities.
The closing date for receipt of applications from the Local Authorities is 30th June. My officials will commence the assessment of applications immediately after this date, with the objective of the successful applicants being announced before the end of July. Details of the successful applicants will be published on-line.
My Department is also developing a pilot initiative to increase residential occupancy in rural town and village centres. It is hoped that this pilot can be launched later this year. The pilot will examine ways in which properties that are currently not in use in town centres, such as vacant or derelict premises, can be renovated to allow them to be used for residential purpose. The scheme will be targeted at owner-occupiers. Full details will be announced when the scheme is launched.
