Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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76. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the town and village renewal scheme 2017; the type of projects that can be supported under this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20388/17]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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On 13^thApril, I launched an enhanced Town and Village Renewal Scheme for 2017 as part of the Action Plan for Rural Development. This scheme will see €20 million in funding being invested in towns and villages across rural Ireland over the next 15 months.

The 2017 scheme will be operated via the Local Authorities in close collaboration with community and business interests, and I anticipate that up to 300 towns and villages will benefit from funding. The scheme is targeted at rural towns and villages with populations of less than 10,000.

Projects which have clear positive economic impacts on the town/village or which stimulate economic activity between a town/village and its neighbouring townlands will be particularly welcome, as will projects which demonstrate leveraging of, or linkages with, other schemes operated by Government Departments or agencies (e.g. in the areas of heritage, arts, culture, tourism, tidy towns, recreational facilities, re-use of vacant premises, vacant sites, energy efficiency schemes, etc.).

Full details of the application process have been issued to the Local Authorities and the closing date for applications is 30^thJune 2017.