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

The building acquisition measure was a new idea that was introduced last year as part of Our Rural Future: Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, which is our five-year policy for rural Ireland. It has proven very popular. There has been great feedback from the local authorities and communities on its success.

The Deputy mentioned the Central Hotel in Mallow. This is the sort of thing we are targeting. We are trying to look at old buildings that have gone past their use and repurpose them for 21st century use. For example, we have had many banks and old primary schools, shops and Garda stations. The Deputy should talk to the local authority about the Central Hotel in Mallow, and it should look at that property. There is no reason why it cannot put in an application. I can tell the Deputy about an old hotel in Boyle in County Roscommon that lay vacant for years on end. The local authority acquired it, and we provided funding for a new library along with other community facilities. It is up to the local authority identify them. It is certainly the type of project we want to see funded.

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