Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 February 2022
70. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the role of town regeneration officers under the town centre first scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8759/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra81. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the position regarding the allocation of town regeneration officers under the town centre first policy; and the way these roles will be allocated, funded and utilised to further this policy objective. [8613/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 81 together.
The Government recently published Town Centre First - A Policy Approach for Irish Towns. This publications represents a major new policy that aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres. It contains 33 actions which will give our towns the tools and resources they need to become more viable and attractive places in which to live, work, socialise and run a business.
Action 3 of the new policy refers to the provision of Town Regeneration Officers (TROs). The TROs will be appointed in local authorities to drive the implementation of Town Centre First. Town Regeneration Officers will be crucial to managing the implementation of the policy at a local level and ensuring the development and implementation of Town Centre First plans. The role of the Town Regeneration Officers is outlined in Appendix 6 of the policy and includes supporting and building the capacity of the Town Teams.
I was delighted to secure additional funding for of €2 million for these posts in Budget 2022. As a result, it is envisaged that a Town Regeneration Officer will be appointed in local authority areas across the country. The officers will be responsible for delivery of the Town Centre First policy across the local authority area rather than being assigned solely to an individual town. Given the focus of the policy on the regeneration of our towns, it is not envisaged at this time that such officers will be appointed in respect of the five city metropolitan areas. These areas will, of course, continue to be supported through funding under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund delivered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
