Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

113. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the streetscapes and shopfronts scheme will be operational from 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44999/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Last year I introduced the Streetscape Enhancement Measure, which is part of the wider Town and Village Renewal Scheme. The measure is administered on behalf of my Department by the local authorities. It is targeted at towns or villages with populations of up to 15,000 people.

The improvement of the visual appearance of our streetscapes increases pride and confidence in our towns and villages, making them more attractive places to live, work and do business.

The Streetscape Enhancement Measure supports a project proposal for one town or village per eligible local authority which may include activity such as painting (including murals), signage replacement, shopfront improvement, lighting, and canopies.

I allocated €2.6 million this year under the Measure and on the 30^thAugust I announced the successful nominated towns for 2022. Local authorities must now finalise the project proposals in these towns. In order to allow sufficient time for local authorities to engage with stakeholders and prepare the proposals the deadline for submission is Friday, 7th October 2022. Local authorities have until 30th September 2023 to complete the approved works. The possible implementation of further iterations of the Measure from 2023 will be kept under review as part of my Department's ongoing management of its suite of investment schemes.

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

114. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of 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. [44964/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Town Centre First (TCF) Policy is a major cross-government policy that aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres. The policy is a key deliverable under Our Rural Future, the Government's Rural Development Policy for the period to 2025. This 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.

The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) 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. Details of the successful projects are available on www.gov.ie/drcd.

In June, I launched the 2022 Town and Village Renewal Scheme, again prioritising projects that bring vacant and derelict buildings back into use and promote residential occupancy in town centres. In addition to the 2021 measures, I introduced two new measures for 2022 - the Marketing Scheme Measure and the Building Acquisition Measure.

The Marketing Scheme Measure allowed each local authority to apply for €50,000 for a marketing campaign to attract remote workers and mobile talent to their counties; and the Building Acquisition Measure allowed up to €400,000 per local authority for the purchase of buildings for use as multi-purpose community spaces. In July, I approved funding of €7.5m under the Building Acquisition Measure for 36 vacant and derelict buildings to be purchased by local authorities in rural towns and villages for development as community assets. In August, I announced €2.6m for the Streetscape Enhancement Measure to add colour and vibrancy to our town centres.

Project applications under the other TVRS measures are currently being assessed and an announcement of the successful projects is expected in the coming months.