Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

That is really welcome considering what I read in the report produced following the pilot scheme for the town centre living initiative. The Minister will know there were a number of findings on difficulties tracing owners. Issues might arise where an owner passes away and there is no will. A number of such issues have been identified. Additionally, it was found there is a lack of finance available to renovate properties. I realise that there are local authority schemes but we really need to explore specific schemes to try to bring vacant properties in town centres back into use. Where there are difficulties with owners, we need to find ways around them. I welcome the findings in the report. I ask that some of the really good findings that would make a difference be considered. I look forward to seeing this.

On the town and village renewal scheme, how exactly does it work where towns have vacant buildings along the main street? What do towns and communities do?

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