Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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529. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of applications made by local authorities under the art works in public space component of the town and village renewal scheme; when a decision will be returned to the local authorities that have made an application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11205/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The primary focus for the Town and Village Renewal Scheme in 2017 was to support projects that could demonstrate an economic benefit for small towns and villages and their hinterlands.  There was a substantial level of demand for projects of this nature, whereas the request for funding for art works under the scheme was relatively small.

Given the limited resources available under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme in 2017, all funding was allocated to projects directly supporting the regeneration of rural towns and villages.  Local Authorities who made specific applications for funding of public art works have now been advised that these projects are not being funded under the 2017 Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

I intend to launch a further round of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme in 2018 and I anticiapte the emphasis will again be on developing the economic potential of rural towns and villages and their hinterlands.