Brendan Griffin
Question:269. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her future plans for the town and village renewal scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55803/23]
View answerWednesday, 13 December 2023
Questions (269)
Written answers
The 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 €156 million has been allocated to more than 1,700 projects across Ireland. The Scheme has supported towns and villages the length and breadth of the country.
TVRS is a key driver of the national Rural Development Policies, Our Rural Future, Our Living Islands, and the Town Centre First Policy. In line with the commitment in Our Rural Future, TVRS 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.
This year's Scheme has a renewed focus on town centre economic and social vibrancy and regeneration. This will be achieved through projects focusing on town centre regeneration, enhancing our streetscapes and bringing vacant and derelict buildings back into use as community multi-purpose spaces through refurbishment and renovation.
The 2023 scheme is now closed and the assessment process of applications received has now commenced. I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects in Quarter 1 of 2024.
This years scheme had an increased timeframe of 16 weeks, up from 8 in previous years, from the launch of the scheme to deadline for applications, in line with the Departments elongated calendar of schemes for 2023. This provided local authorities additional time to advertise the scheme, compile applications for submission, and also to complete ongoing projects from previous years. An elongated timeframe for the delivery of island projects in recognition of logistical challenges has also been introduced in this year’s scheme. A further review of the Scheme's focus and operation will take place in early 2024 and will inform plans for the next iteration of the Scheme.