Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
1364. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the grants for refurbishing old buildings in rural communities that were announced in the action plan for rural development will be available; the details of the scheme; the grant assistance which will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16008/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra1365. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 1527 of 16 January 2018, the status of the establishment of a pilot scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16035/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1364 and 1365 together.
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 which is administered by my Department. 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 oversee the design and delivery of the pilot scheme. The Steering Group is chaired by my Department, and involves a number of other key Departments and agencies, including the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Department of Finance, and the County and City Management Association which provides representation from the Local Authority sector.
Work in relation to developing the pilot scheme is ongoing and I hope to be in a position to announce details of the pilot scheme shortly.
