Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I launched the 2018 town and village renewal scheme on 27 April this year with an allocation of €15 million for projects which will run over a 12 to 18-month period. Local authorities are required to seek expressions of interest from communities for proposals under the scheme, and each county has been invited to submit up to 12 proposals to my Department for consideration. The closing date for the submission of applications is 30 June.

During July, my Department will assess all the applications received, with a view to announcing successful projects as soon as possible thereafter. Projects will be expected to commence before the end of the year and should be completed by the end of 2019. Successful proposals are likely to include activities which have clear positive economic impacts on rural towns and villages. They will also demonstrate close collaboration between communities and business interests in the design and delivery of the projects.

More than €31.6 million has been approved for over 450 projects across the country since the town and village renewal scheme was introduced in the second half of 2016. I anticipate that up to 200 further projects will be approved through the €15 million being allocated under the 2018 scheme. The scheme is an important part of the Government's Action Plan for Rural Development. The Government's commitment to supporting rural Ireland is further demonstrated through Project Ireland 2040, which will result in the creation of a new €1 billion rural regeneration and development fund, which I will launch shortly. The new fund will provide an opportunity to deliver ambitious and integrated projects which will further support the revitalisation of our rural towns and villages.

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