Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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654. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the possible funding streams that are available for a community group to apply to for a plaque (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46489/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My Department works to ensure that schemes are structured in a way that delivers on commitments under key government policies such as Our Rural Futureand the Town Centre Firstpolicy. The Town and village Renewal Scheme (TVRS), which was launched in 2016, has funded projects which includes signage and plaques as an element of larger projects but usually not as stand-alone items. The TVRS provides funding in amounts between €20,000 and €500,000 for eligible projects. One of the indicative eligible project types under the 2023 TVRS is the enhancement of heritage assets e.g. local museums/tourism attractions focused on historical aspects of the area, heritage sites/buildings, etc. so an application may be eligible for works that include a plaque to commemorate Douglas Hyde.

The TVRS is administered through local authorities, who work closely with local communities and businesses to develop proposals that can make a lasting impact in revitalising rural towns and villages across the country.

The 2023 TVRS is currently open, with the closing date for receipt of applications from local authorities to the Department is by close of business on 10 November 2023.

Interested parties should contact Roscommon County Council to make an expression of interest for funding under the 2023 scheme.