Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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1713. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding allocation to the rural renovation scheme; the number of projects funded under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37278/17]

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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1748. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the allocation to the rural renovation scheme for each year since it has been established. [38418/17]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1713 and 1748 together.

The Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development contains a number of measures which have the objective of rejuvenating Ireland’s rural towns and villages to make them more attractive places in which to live and work, and to increase their tourism potential.

An enhanced Town and Village Renewal Scheme was launched on 13th April last, with a focus on improving the economic development of our rural towns and villages. It is envisaged that this scheme will support up to 300 towns and villages over the next 12 months.

My officials have separately been examining the potential for developing a pilot scheme to encourage residential occupancy in rural towns and villages. The pilot will consider ways in which properties that are currently not in use in town and village centres can be renovated to allow them to be used for residential purposes. This will further help to rejuvenate town centres while also contributing to the housing needs of individuals.

The initiative is being developed in consultation with relevant Departments.