Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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86. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the roll-out of the Towns First Policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53707/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I was delighted earlier this year to launch the Town Centre First Policy with my colleagues Minister Malcolm Noonan and Minister Peter Burke.

The Town Centre First Policy represents a major cross-government initiative that aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres.

The Policy also provides a coherent framework for the delivery of significant levels of public funding aimed at rejuvenating our towns and villages. For example, this year I introduced a new Building Acquisition Measure under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, and I expect to announce allocations under the main Town and Village Scheme later this year.

The support structures to underpin the delivery of Town Centre First are also at an advanced stage. For example, the National Implementation Office has been established with the appointment of the Head of that office and the recruitment of further support staff is also well advanced. This team will drive the national implementation of many of the recommendations in the Town Centre First policy in conjunction with my Department.

This office will also coordinate the work of the Town Regeneration Officers who are being recruited across the country with funding from my Department. A key function of these Officers will be the development of Town Centre First Plans at local level. I have previously funded 26 towns across the country to develop these plans, with each plan being tailored to local needs and priorities.

I am committed to ensuring that the continued roll out of the Town Centre First policy will work to deliver on the goal of revitalising rural towns and villages as set out in Our Rural Future.