Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 March 2018
257. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when he plans to launch a further round of the town and village renewal scheme in 2018; the status of phase 1 and phase 2 of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14406/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme was first launched in 2016, with funding of €10 million allocated for that year to 170 projects. An enhanced Town and Village Renewal scheme was announced in 2017, with an emphasis on projects that would have a sustainable and visible impact on towns or villages and their environs, and could demonstrate economic impact or potential.
Last October, I announced the allocation of €21.6 million to 281 projects in towns and villages across rural Ireland under the 2017 scheme. These projects will be delivered over a 15 month period. Local Authorities are currently in the process of completing or delivering the projects approved under the 2016 and 2017 schemes.
I intend to launch a new call for proposals under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme shortly, and will again be placing an emphasis on projects that can demonstrate strong economic benefits for towns, villages and their environs. I have secured an allocation of €15 million in my Department's Estimate for this year's Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
In addition, a pilot scheme to encourage residential occupancy in rural towns and villages is currently being developed as part of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. The pilot will consider 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. This will help to rejuvenate town centres while also contributing to the housing needs of individuals. I have established a Steering Group to accelerate and oversee the design and delivery of this pilot scheme.
