Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
2181. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the expected timelines and implementation of resources to Dunleer further to its designation as a pathfinder town pursuant to the town centre first policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42337/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Town Centre First (TCF) Policy is a major cross-government policy that aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres. The policy is a key deliverable under Our Rural Future, the Government's Rural Development Policy for the period to 2025.
A key step in delivering the TCF Policy the establishment of the National Implementation Office to assist in the delivery and implementation of the policy, and to co-ordinate stakeholder engagement at a national level. This office will be responsible for supporting Town Regeneration Officers (TRO) in driving implementation of the policy in pathfinder towns such as Dunleer and will also produce an Annual Implementation Plan that monitors progress and delivery.
My Department has agreed the structure and funding for the National Office and the TROs with local authorities and a National TCF Coordinator has been appointed to head up the National Implementation Office. Local authorities are also currently at an advanced stage in recruitment of TROs, who will drive the development of TCF Plans at local level across the country in conjunction with local stakeholders, with the appointment of a TRO for Louth expected shortly.
The policy is underpinned by significant levels of public investment spread across major Government schemes, such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, the Croí Conaithe (Towns) Fund and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
For example, earlier this year I announced funding of €18.5m under the 2021 Town and Village Renewal Scheme and I also launched the 2022 Scheme, including a new Building Acquisition Measure. This measure provided up to €400,000 to each local authority to purchase vacant and derelict buildings in rural towns and villages for development as community assets. Such supports will be a key support for communities in towns such as Dunleer in implementing the Town Centre First approach locally.
I am committed to ensuring that the continued roll out of the Town Centre First policy will work to deliver on the goal of revitalising rural towns and villages as set out in Our Rural Future.
