Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
77. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the roll-out of the Towns First policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28385/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Town Centre First Policy is a major cross-government policy that aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres.
My Department co-chairs the National Oversight and Advisory Group for the policy with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This Group seeks to oversee the delivery of the policy and ensures there is clear stakeholder visibility in relation to implementation. The Group met in December 2022 and April 2023 and will meet on a quarterly basis going forward to ensure that momentum is maintained.
The Town Centre First National Implementation Office was established last year and will be key to the success of the policy. The Office drives implementation at national level, supports the network of Town Regeneration Officers at a local level and coordinates stakeholder engagement. This structure has been put in place within the Local Government Management Association, and my officials are in ongoing contact with the National Office.
Central to the Town Centre First approach is the range of support funding in place, including my Department’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, and Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
Last November I announced funding of €115m for regeneration projects across rural towns under my Department's Rural Regeneration and Development Fund for 2022. These projects include a focus on combating vacancy and dereliction by regenerating iconic town centre buildings such as old hotels, banks, schools, and courthouses.
Similarly, last December I announced €27 million in funding to regenerate and breathe new life into rural towns and villages under the 2022 Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
I have now approved funding of €5.4 million to support the purchase of 23 vacant and derelict buildings in the first tranche of approvals under the 2023 Building Acquisition Measure.
I remain committed to ensuring the success of the Town Centre First policy in delivering on the goal of revitalising rural towns and villages as set out in Our Rural Future.
