Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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915. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will outline any supports for a private commercial concern who wish to refurbish semi-derelict properties in rural towns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35264/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The regeneration of our rural towns and villages and addressing issues of vacancy and dereliction is a key priority within both Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First policy. Accordingly, my Department implements a number of schemes which directly address these issues.

For example, under the 2022 Town and Village Renewal Scheme regeneration projects that assist in revitalising our rural towns and villages can be considered for funding. Applications under this scheme are made by local authorities, and these applications are developed in consultation with local business and community groups. The closing date for applications from local authorities under this year's scheme is 22 July.

The LEADER programme is another key intervention implemented by my Department which will help to underpin the Government's rural development goals as outlined in Our Rural Future.

The LEADER programme is delivered through 29 Local Action Groups (LAGs) across rural Ireland. A feature of the LEADER programme is that it is based on a community-led, bottom-up approach to rural development.

Support under the LEADER programme is provided under a broad range of themes, including Economic Development, Enterprise Development and Job Creation. This theme focuses on driving continued local economic development, including diversification of the rural economy, and the creation of employment opportunities for the local community.

Funding may be available through the LEADER Programme for the type of project referred to by the Deputy.

In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved Local Development Strategy for the relevant LEADER area and it must comply with the Operating Rules and EU Regulations in place for the programme.

Prospective applicants should, in the first instance, contact their relevant LAG, through its Implementing Partner, to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available. The list of all Local Action Groups, their Implementing Partners and their contact details, is available on my Department’s website.