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

The town centre first policy is a major cross-government policy that aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres. It supports the Our Rural Future vision for a thriving rural Ireland which is integral to our national economic, social, cultural and environmental well-being and development.

The town centre first national office is key to the success of the policy. It supports town regeneration officers, funded by my Department, in all relevant local authorities in driving implementation at a local level. My Department officials collaborate closely with the national office. My Department is also supporting the development of town centre first plans which will help rural towns identify viable projects in their area.

Central to the town centre first approach is the range of support funding in place, including my Department’s rural regeneration and development fund, RRDF, and the town and village renewal scheme, which both aim to prioritise addressing vacancy and dereliction throughout rural Ireland.

I announced the next RRDF category 1 call for applications on Friday last, with a focus on revitalising our rural towns and villages, in line with the town centre first policy. I expect to see applications developed for the fund that will drive greater economic activity and footfall, address vacancy and dereliction and ensure the re-use of heritage and other existing buildings.

In July 2023, I announced funding of €15 million for this year’s town and village renewal scheme. This year's scheme is designed to support the revitalisation of rural Ireland. The closing date for applications was last Friday, 10 November 2023, and the assessment process has now commenced. I expect to announce the successful projects in the first quarter of 2024.

My Department remains committed to the success of the town centre first policy to deliver on the goal of revitalising rural towns and villages as set out in the Our Rural Future policy.

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