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

This is what we are trying to do. We are working with the local authorities and the town centre first town regeneration officers to identify these properties. For example, I was in Castleblayney on Friday and there is a brand new library in that town. It is in an old building that has been restored. An annex has been added on to it which is brand-new. The library is now a combination of the old and new, and it really will bring footfall into the centre of that town. There are also so many examples of really good projects right across the country in the context of the town and village scheme and the rural regeneration fund.

For example, in Edgeworthstown in County Longford, a former public house was purchased under the buildings acquisition measure, costing €125,000. Under the 2023 town and village renewal scheme, an application has been received for €275,000 for the renovation of the building to allow it to be converted into a charity shop and social enterprise to provide a vital asset to the community, while supporting community projects.

There are loads of ideas out there. I want people in communities to engage with their local authority, to engage with their town centre first officer and put forward their proposals. They know best what they need for their areas.

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