Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her response. The two policies outlined in her statement around the Town Centre First policy and the town and village renewal scheme are crucial in addressing the pervasive challenges around dereliction and vacancy in many rural towns and villages throughout the country. As someone who advocates for the development and revitalisation of our rural communities, which the Minister is also passionate about, I wish to emphasise the importance of these schemes. She is allocating the money as outlined. It is €115 million under the RRDF. She approved the first tranche under the building acquisition measure and the town and village renewal scheme is also in place, for €5.4 million. That is important. What I specifically like about these schemes is the comprehensive approach that is taken involving local authorities, community groups and businesses to ensure value for money in terms of what is being rejuvenated in our rural towns and villages. Will the Minister provide additional information regarding when the other measures under the town and village renewal scheme will be announced? Are other announcements due under these measures to support our towns and villages and rejuvenate them?

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