Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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6. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the town and village renewal scheme; when applications from County Kildare can be submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25293/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I launched the 2018 town and village renewal scheme on 27 April this year with an allocation of €15 million for projects which will run over a 12 to 18-month period. Local authorities are required to seek expressions of interest from communities for proposals under the scheme, and each county has been invited to submit up to 12 proposals to my Department for consideration. The closing date for the submission of applications is 30 June.

During July, my Department will assess all the applications received, with a view to announcing successful projects as soon as possible thereafter. Projects will be expected to commence before the end of the year and should be completed by the end of 2019. Successful proposals are likely to include activities which have clear positive economic impacts on rural towns and villages. They will also demonstrate close collaboration between communities and business interests in the design and delivery of the projects.

More than €31.6 million has been approved for over 450 projects across the country since the town and village renewal scheme was introduced in the second half of 2016. I anticipate that up to 200 further projects will be approved through the €15 million being allocated under the 2018 scheme. The scheme is an important part of the Government's Action Plan for Rural Development. The Government's commitment to supporting rural Ireland is further demonstrated through Project Ireland 2040, which will result in the creation of a new €1 billion rural regeneration and development fund, which I will launch shortly. The new fund will provide an opportunity to deliver ambitious and integrated projects which will further support the revitalisation of our rural towns and villages.

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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I appreciate the indulgence of the Chair. I thank the Minister for his response. Kildare has experienced positive benefits from the town and village renewal scheme to date. I agree with the Minister's point about collaboration with local business and that economic activity and drivers are crucial. We have seen this in Ballymore Eustace with the €92,000 towards the walking trail, which will have a direct tourism benefit. It is also evident in Narraghmore, where €80,000 in funding will contribute to the development of a country market in an old hardware premises that was disused and had fallen down. Likewise, €100,000 has been provided for Monasterevin and the €67,000 in funding for CCTV in Athy shows the flexibility in the scheme, as well as the €95,000 for the upgrading of the town square.

We are working closely with Kildare County Council on applications for this year and we are also working with local communities in areas that hope to submit applications.

Kilcullen and Rathangan are two towns, in particular, where we have considered a public benefit element and I hope their applications would be looked on favourably. I hope further applications will be submitted by Castledermot, Monasterevin and beyond. I thank the Minister for opening up the scheme. It is beneficial and we look forward to working with him.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for his comments. He was correct that this has been a positive scheme with tremendous work being done. In his county, €796,403 has been allocated to a number of projects, for some which he lobbied hard. They are making an impact and the town and village renewal scheme is working well. I want the scheme to continue. I hope we will see some good projects on foot of it.