Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2017
453. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development his plans to provide renovation grants to restore properties in small towns and villages as part of the Government’s promised plan to revive rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47970/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development 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.
On 4th October last, I announced details of funding of €21.6 million for 281 towns and villages in rural Ireland that will benefit under the 2017 Town and Village Renewal Scheme. The Scheme focuses on improving the economic development of our rural towns and villages.
My officials have separately been examining the potential for developing a pilot scheme to encourage residential occupancy in rural towns and villages. The pilot will consider ways in which properties that are currently not in use in town and village centres can be renovated to allow them to be used for residential purposes. This will further help to rejuvenate town centres while also contributing to the housing needs of individuals.
Following initial discussions at official level, I have now established a Steering Group to accelerate and oversee the design and delivery of the pilot scheme. The Steering Group will be chaired by my Department, and a number of other key Government Departments, including the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, the County and City Management Association, and the Departments of Public Expenditure and Reform and Finance, have been invited to participate on the Group.
