Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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46. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of underspent funds that were allocated to the towns and villages schemes; and if there will be a similar type of scheme in 2018. [8513/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The 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.

The 2017 Town and Village Renewal Scheme was launched in April last year, with a focus on projects which could stimulate and encourage economic activity in our rural towns and villages.

Following a competitive process, in October 2017 I announced the allocation of €21.6 million to 281 projects in towns and villages across rural Ireland. To date, €1.16m of this funding has been drawn-down by Local Authorities.

It is important to note that the 2017 Scheme was expected to operate over a 12-15 month period. Therefore, it was always anticipated that a significant portion of the funds allocated would be drawn-down in 2018/2019 but only when the draw-down conditions are met, including the full completion of works which is required for final payments to issue.

Under Budget 2018 I secured a funding allocation of €15M for the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and officials are currently reviewing the scheme criteria with a view to launching the 2018 scheme during April. The deputy should note that I recently wrote to all Local Authorities advising them of an indicative schedule of scheme launch dates in respect of the Local Improvement, CLÁR, Town and Village Renewal and the Rural Recreation schemes.