Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his question. The regeneration and revitalisation of our rural towns and villages is a key priority for my Department. Since 2016, the Department has invested €78 million in approximately 1,200 projects under the town and village renewal scheme. Large-scale projects that support town revitalisation are also funded through my Department's rural regeneration and development fund.

The programme for Government includes a commitment to bring forward an expanded town and village renewal scheme to bring vacant and derelict buildings back into use and promote residential occupancy. In this context, a budget of €20 million has been allocated for an expanded town and village renewal scheme next year. This is an increase of €5 million, or 33%, on 2020. The standard town and village renewal scheme will be allocated €15 million of this funding to support the economic and social development of our towns and villages, including through measures to encourage town centre living. The remaining €5 million will be used to support the development of remote working facilities at digital hubs and broadband connection points. These facilities can play an important role in supporting the revitalisation of town centres and stimulating local commerce. The rural regeneration and development fund will also continue to support large-scale regeneration projects in our towns and villages in 2021.

In addition, for next year, I have secured funding of €2 million to enable rural towns and villages to prepare master plans as a basis for their strategic development. The development of a shared vision and direction for any town is essential for its successful long-term future.

My Department is also co-chairing a recently established interdepartmental group to progress the town centre first approach committed to in the programme for Government. The group will bring forward proposals for the Government's consideration in 2021.

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