Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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673. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development his plans to roll out the scheme to renovate properties and old buildings in small towns and villages from its present pilot status to a nationwide programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39086/17]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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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. I intend to announce the successful applicants shortly.

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

The initiative is being developed in consultation with relevant Departments and details of the scheme will be announced when they are finalised.