Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020
899. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding streams available from her Department arising from the July stimulus to local authorities for town centre pedestrianisation programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20504/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe July Stimulus Package provided an additional €15 million in capital funding for my Department. The additional funding includes an extra €10 million for the Town and Village Renewal Scheme to assist rural towns and villages in responding to the challenges presented by COVID-19.
Total funding available for the Town and Village Renewal Scheme this year will now amount to €25 million. This year’s scheme has been tailored to focus on interventions that can support the economic and social recovery of our rural towns and villages, and assist them in responding to the challenges presented by COVID-19.
The type of projects that will be funded under the scheme could include, for example, public realm adaptations to provide outdoor dining areas, event spaces, meeting areas and other innovative proposals to encourage people back into towns and villages. These project proposals, which will be developed by the Local Authorities in conjunction with local businesses and community groups, could involve the pedestrianisation of some areas.
The objective of the investment under the Town & Village Renewal Scheme this year is to help economic and social recovery by increasing footfall in rural towns and villages, helping businesses to reopen safely, and by providing amenity areas that support social distancing.
