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

As I stated, the working group chaired by the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke, will come forward with recommendations in the coming months. As part of budget 2021, I secured €2 million to help these towns develop master plans. It is very important that they have a plan in order to ensure there is joined-up thinking, which is part of making it a success. It is one thing to have the plan, but there is then a need for people to drive it and to work with the stakeholders, communities, businesses and all those involved, as the Deputy stated, to see what is the best approach to revitalising the town centres. The plan is for the town centre first officers to carry out that role.

We will support local authorities in appointing an officer. However, we want to wait until we receive the report from the interdepartmental group. The plans are in place. We will drive it forward. In fairness to local authorities, they have taken on a lot of work.

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