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

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. The challenges relating to vacancy and dereliction are clearly recognised within Our Rural Future. Earlier this year, the Government published Town Centre First - A Policy Approach for Irish Towns. This is a whole-of-government policy and aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres. The policy is underpinned by significant levels of public investment spread across major Government schemes, such as the rural regeneration and development fund, the urban regeneration and development fund, the Croí Cónaithe fund and the town and village renewal scheme.

This year's town and village renewal scheme launched on 27 May with funding of €17 million. As part of this year's scheme, I have already approved funding of €7.5 million under the building acquisitions measure for 36 vacant and derelict buildings to be purchased by local authorities in rural towns and villages for development as community assets. This includes the revitalisation of old Garda stations, bank buildings and courthouses for community use. In August, I announced €2.6 million for 26 rural towns to implement the streetscape enhancement measure to add colour and vibrancy to our town centres. Further funding is available under my Department's rural regeneration and development fund, as well as the recently launched Croí Cónaithe fund.

I have also provided funding for the recruitment of town regeneration officers and the development of Town Centre First masterplans across the country. These supports will further help local communities to ensure the regeneration of their local towns and villages and to address issues relating to vacancy and dereliction. I am committed to ensuring that the continued roll-out of the Town Centre First policy will work to deliver on the goal of revitalising rural towns and villages as set out in Our Rural Future.

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