Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 October 2022
105. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the building acquisition measure funding under the town and village renewal scheme will be continued into 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53710/22]
View answerThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) is one of a series of national and local support measures designed to rejuvenate small rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. The Scheme is funded under Project Ireland 2040 as part of Our Rural Future. Since the launch of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme in 2016, over €113 million has been allocated to more than 1,400 projects across Ireland.
In recognition of the urgent need to transform and regenerate town centres a new measure was introduced in the 2022 Scheme to immediately acquire derelict or vacant buildings, with the intention of using these projects for town regeneration purposes.
Buildings purchased under this measure must be for use as multipurpose community spaces. Local authorities were allowed to apply for up to €400,000 for up to two buildings. In July, I approved €7.5m for the acquisition of 36 properties across the country.
At the end of each scheme year the priorities for the scheme are reviewed and revised as appropriate, and a decision will be made as to the structure of the 2023 scheme at that stage.
