Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2024
114. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development how her Department will work with local authorities to encourage them to apply for new funding for the town and village renewal scheme; if there will be a minimum submission requirement for each local authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4040/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) is one of several measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since its launch in 2016, over €156 million has been allocated to more than 1,700 projects supporting towns and villages across the country. As committed in Our Rural Future, Ireland's rural development policy, TVRS priorities are reviewed at the end of each scheme year to ensure that funding is targeted effectively to support vibrant and attractive communities. The 2023 Scheme has a renewed focus on town centre economic and social vibrancy. This will be achieved through projects focusing on town regeneration, enhancing streetscapes and bringing vacant and derelict buildings back into use as community multi-purpose spaces through refurbishment and renovation. The TVRS Scheme is administered through local authorities, who work closely with local communities and businesses in developing proposals that can make a lasting impact on rural towns and villages.The 2023 Scheme was launched on 21 July 2023 with an overall fund of €15 million. The closing date for receipt of applications to the Department was 10th November 2023 and the competitive assessment process is currently ongoing. There was no minimum submission requirement. However, local authorities were invited to submit up to 5 applications to the value of €1.5 million per local authority. For areas with inhabited offshore islands, local authorities were permitted to submit up to 6 applications with a maximum value of €1.75 million.My Department officials regularly engage with local authorities and assist with any queries that may arise during the process including advertising, preparing and submitting applications. My officials also work with local authorities on an ongoing basis as projects are being delivered.I expect to announce the successful projects under TVRS by the end of Quarter 1 of 2024.
