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

I welcome the publication of the town centre first policy. In particular, I welcome its recognition of the fact that one size does not fit all and that we need unique solutions for the unique challenges each and every town faces, given they are all different. I also welcome the idea of tailored plans for towns. It is important for buy-in that there be consultation not only with the town teams, but also with local businesses and residents in towns and villages. There are many wonderful rural development groups, town teams and others that do so much good work in our towns and villages. Last week, Creggs Rural Development in County Galway launched a village plan in conjunction with Galway County Council. That is the level of consultation we need to see, namely, towns and villages creating their own plans with, importantly, the support and backing of their local authorities. In conjunction with the local credit union, the enterprise centre in Ballinasloe does a great deal of work on the development of the town, which is suffering from derelict and vacant properties.

The initial report on the six pilot towns identified that the main issue had to do with complications arising from the ownership of vacant buildings, particularly in town centres. Perhaps older people owned them and, instead of selling them to their local authorities, they intended to leave them to sons or daughters who might not have even been in the country, for example, in England or further afield. Many complications like these arise where vacant buildings are concerned.

This is going to be a major challenge. It was identified in the pilot report but I am not sure it has been given the focus it needs in terms of this policy. It will be an important element so we have to get it right.

I would like to make one other point that has been already raised. There was mention of a €30,000 grant to help people to purchase derelict properties. I have received a number of queries with regard to when that grant will be available and the criteria around it. The grant is badly needed, in particular for young people starting out who cannot afford to build or buy but would like to go the route of restoring a derelict property.

There are many references to digital transformation in this document. Remote working has been a lifeline for rural Ireland. It provides us with huge opportunities, but we have to get the remote working legislation right. We need to ensure the Minister for Rural and Community Development plays her role. We have to get that legislation right if the remote working hubs, many of which have been already established, are to work.

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