Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 May 2024
332. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the full extent of awards made by her Department under the town and village renewal scheme throughout Ireland; her expectations in respect of this or similar schemes in the course of the current year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21136/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme over €177 million has been allocated to almost 1,800 projects across Ireland. The Scheme has supported towns and villages the length and breadth of the country.
The 2023 TVRS had a renewed focus on town centre economic and social recovery and regeneration to be achieved through projects focusing on town centre regeneration, enhancing our streetscapes and bringing vacant and derelict buildings back into use as community multipurpose spaces through refurbishment and renovation.
On 29 April I announced funding of over €20 million for 82 projects which were successful in securing funding under the 2023 Scheme. Local authorities have 18 months to deliver the approved projects, and in recognition of the difficulties in delivering large scale projects and projects located on offshore islands, an elongated delivery time frame of up to 24 months is allowed for these projects under the 2023 Scheme. A full list of the approved projects is attached for the Deputy's information.
As committed under Our Rural Future, and the Town Centre First Policy, scheme priorities are reviewed at the end of each scheme year to ensure that funding is targeted effectively to support vibrant and attractive communities and to respond to changing needs and opportunities.
The review process for the next iteration of the scheme will commence shortly and I expect to launch a further call for applications later this year.
