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

The scheme has been rolled out through the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to the local authorities, which are administering it at a local level. I am not sure of the position with regard to the clawback. It is right that there should be a clawback. I agree with that principle in the context of a person selling a house. The idea is that the person will live in the town. People living in town centres will bring vibrancy to them. I cannot answer the Deputy's question on that aspect, but I will find out exactly what happens or who is responsible for administering the clawback clause.

The Croí Cónaithe scheme is just one part of what we are doing in rural Ireland. Under my Department, there is the town and village renewal scheme. We have expanded that scheme and funding can be sought for bigger projects up to a maximum of €500,000. In that context, we have done a lot of work in repurposing old buildings such as old Garda stations or train stations. Several different projects that have come forward through consultations with communities - asking people what they need in their area and how we can help them to realise their vision.

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