Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 May 2024
323. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the assistance her Department can provide for a playgroup (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18304/24]
View answerOur Rural Future, Ireland's Rural Development Policy 2021 – 2025 represents the Irish Government’s blueprint for the development of rural Ireland. It sets out a range of actions for delivery across Government, and sets the strategic framework for the delivery of capital investment under my Department's Rural Development Investment Programme.
The capital investment schemes implemented by my Department have seen record levels of investment in communities across Ireland in recent years through schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Community Recognition Fund and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. From the details provided by the Deputy, the funding of accommodation for this social enterprise may be eligible for my Department's Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS), subject to alignment with scheme criteria.
TVRS is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since its introduction over €177 million has been allocated to more than 1,700 projects across Ireland and it has supported towns and villages the length and breadth of the country. TVRS supports a range of activities from large scale capital projects to projects that enhance our streetscape and support the night-time economy.
As committed under Our Rural Future, Ireland's rural development policy, and in line with 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 2023 Scheme had a renewed focus on town centre economic and social vibrancy to be achieved through projects focusing on regenerating our towns and villages and making them better places to live, work and raise a family. This includes the development of recreational spaces/amenities in town centres to make them vibrant hubs for community enjoyment and to increase footfall for local businesses.
I announced funding of over €20 million for 82 projects on Monday 29th April 2024. The 2024 TVRS is expected to launch in October 2024.
TVRS is administered through local authorities. Therefore it would be beneficial to liaise with Donegal County Council in relation to any potential application and other funding streams which they may have available.
