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

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. The town and village renewal scheme aims to assist with the rejuvenation of rural towns and villages throughout Ireland, making them more attractive places to live, work and visit. In line with the commitment in Our Rural Future, the 2022 scheme prioritised the renovation of derelict and vacant buildings in our town centres with a view to bringing them back into use. Since it was first introduced in 2016 over €149 million has been allocated to more than 1,600 projects across Ireland. It has supported a range of activities, from improving public realm areas to initiatives such as the development of enterprise hubs and remote working facilities. These projects have been identified and developed by local community groups and businesses in conjunction with their local authorities.

Each year the priorities for the scheme are reviewed and revised as appropriate by my Department. This year priority was given to projects that brought vacant and derelict buildings and sites back into use as multipurpose spaces to make our town and village centres more vibrant and attractive places to live and work. I was delighted to announce details of allocations worth €27 million under the scheme yesterday. This incorporates a wide range of locally-driven projects that will breathe new life into towns and villages across rural Ireland. Full details of all the approved projects are available on my Department's website.

See this speech in context