Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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64. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she is considering plans to incentivise the owners of derelict properties in rural Ireland to refurbish and redevelop these buildings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60079/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The refurbishment and redevelopment of vacant and derelict properties is being addressed by a number of initiatives delivered by my Department in line with the commitments contained in Our Rural Futureand across Government as part of the Government's Housing for Allplan.

In April, I announced investment of €81 million for 25 landmark projects under Category 1 of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. These projects will combat dereliction, increase the vibrancy of rural towns and villages and regenerate town centre buildings.

I have also announced funding of €15 million that is available under the 2021 Town & Village Renewal Scheme. A key focus of this year’s scheme is to renovate vacant and derelict buildings in our town centres, including for residential living. I expect to announce the successful projects shortly.

There are a range of other initiatives outlined in Our Rural Future which will contribute to addressing vacancy and dereliction in our towns and villages. In particular the new Town Centre First Policy, which is expected to be launched shortly, will be an important catalyst for Local Authorities and local stakeholders to plan for the revitalisation of their towns, and particularly to address vacancy and dereliction.

The new Croí Cónaithe (Towns) fund, as outlined in Housing for All, will also provide a grant to support the refurbishment of vacant properties where the level of vacancy or dereliction is high. I understand that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, together with the the Housing Agency, is currently developing an operational basis for this new fund. This forms one of a number of measures contained in Housing for All to address vacancy and the efficient use of the existing housing stock.