Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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136. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will report on the programme for Government commitment for an expanded town and village renewal scheme to bring vacant and derelict buildings back into use and promote residential occupancy; when communities can start applying for this funding; and the estimated amount available to each local authority. [18051/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Town and Village Renewal Scheme aims to assist with the rejuvenation of rural towns and villages throughout Ireland, making them more attractive places to live, work and visit.

In line with the commitment in Our Rural Future, the 2021 scheme prioritised the renovation of derelict and vacant buildings in our town centres, with a view to bringing these buildings back into use. The scale of projects eligible under the scheme was also increased with funding of up to €500,000 available.

On 25th February last I announced funding of almost €18.5 million for 99 projects under the 2021 scheme, and a further €850,000 for 19 project development measure projects. This include 28 remote working projects, where the majority of these seek to bring vacant / derelict buildings and sites back into use.

I was delighted to secure increased funding across the range of rural development schemes in Budget 2022, and my officials are currently working on the follow up Town and Village Renewal Scheme for 2022.

While the details are still being finalised, there is no doubt that we will again be prioritising projects that bring vacant and derelict buildings back into use and promote residential occupancy in town centres. I will be announcing the details of the 2022 scheme shortly.

I have also recently launched the new Town Centre First Policy, which includes a focus on vacancy and dereliction in towns. This new policy will align with a range of funding sources such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the new Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund , the Rural Regeneration Development Fund, and the Urban Regeneration Development Fund.