Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021
69. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the provision of town regeneration officers to support the development of rural towns and villages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60148/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key element of Our Rural Future is the commitment to develop and deliver a collaborative town centre first approach to put the development and regeneration of rural town centres at the heart of decision-making. There is also a commitment, as part of this overall approach, to provide and resource dedicated local authority staff to support town centre renewal.
My Department is working with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to finalise a Town Centre First policy and I expect this to be approved by Government and published very shortly. This policy will bring an enhanced and joined-up approach across Government to the revitalisation of our town centres and ensure that the significant level of planned investment in our towns is targeted at the right interventions.
In anticipation of this policy, I was pleased to announce funding in Budget 2022 to support the appointment of Town Regeneration Officers in Local Authorities to assist in supporting the delivery of the Town Centre First policy at a local level. Further details in respect of these Officers will be announced as part of the roll-out of the Town Centre First Policy.
