Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The scheme referred to by the Deputy is currently being developed as part of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme which is administered by my Department.

I have established a Steering Group to oversee the design and delivery of the scheme on a pilot basis. The Steering Group is chaired by my Department, and involves a number of other key Departments and agencies, including the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Department of Finance, and the County and City Management Association which provides representation from the Local Authority sector.

Work in relation to developing the pilot scheme is ongoing and I expect that substantial progress will be made in developing the pilot over the coming months. It is envisaged that the scheme will be piloted in a small number of towns initially, with a view to a wider roll-out over time if the pilot is successful.