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

I agree with the Deputy that it is much better to repurpose, refurbish and reuse the town centre buildings. Let us face it, the power is connected, the water is connected and it is also connected to the sewerage, so we do not have all of those added costs that apply when a build is started outside the town. We have been working very hard with local authorities. Revitalising rural towns and villages is a central objective of Our Rural Future.

The town and village renewal scheme was repurposed with provision for the purchase of vacant properties, and priority was given to projects that bring vacant and derelict buildings and sites back into use as multipurpose spaces and remote working hubs, and for residential occupancy. More than €19 million was announced for projects in February, €7.5 million for the building acquisitions measure in July and €2.6 million for streetscapes in August. The streetscapes initiative has proved very popular because it means a town is identified by the local authority and it gets €100,000. Businesses or community groups can apply for a grant to upgrade the premises or improve the shopfront and paint it. That is taking place in a few towns and it really has transformed them. It is a simple enough measure.

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