James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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497. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the position regarding a town and village renewal scheme application (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29210/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is a key component in the revitalisation of towns and villages across the country, and over €31.6 million has been approved for more than 450 projects across the country since the scheme was introduced in the second half of 2016.

I launched the 2018 Town and Village Renewal Scheme on 27 April 2018 this year, with an indicative allocation of €15 million. Local Authorities were required to seek expressions of interest from communities for proposals under the scheme and select up to 12 proposals for submission to my Department for consideration.

The closing date for the submission of applications was 30 June. My Department is now beginning the process of assessing all of the applications received, including applications for County Wexford, with a view to announcing successful projects as soon as possible.

Successful proposals are likely to include activities which have clear positive economic impacts on rural towns and villages. They will also demonstrate close collaboration between communities and business interests in the design and delivery of the projects. Projects will be expected to commence before the end of the year and will run for up to 18 months.