Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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120. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the roll-out of the town centre first initiative; and when a fresh round of calls is planned. [53401/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Town Centre First Policy is a major cross-government policy that aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres.

Key to this, is the establishment of the National Implementation Office to assist in the delivery and implementation of the policy, and to co-ordinate stakeholder engagement at a national level. It is also responsible for coordinating the work Town Regeneration Officers in driving implementation of the policy.

The head of the National Implementation Office has been appointed and recruitment of support staff is ongoing. Similarly, local authorities have advanced the appointment of the Town Regeneration Officers funded by my Department who will drive the development of Town Centre First Plans at a local level.

26 towns have been chosen initially to develop these Town Centre First plans, with each being funded by my Department. The plans should be tailored to the needs of each town in addressing vacancy and dereliction and in making them better places to live, work, visit and do business. The Town Regeneration Officer will also assist in the identification of the next town in their area to be included under the policy roll out.

Earlier this year, the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund was also launched which will support the refurbishment of vacant homes and the availability of serviced sites. I understand that the Fund will be extended to rural areas and cities in November.

Significant funding for the support of Town Centre First objectives also continues through schemes administered by my Department such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. These schemes provide vital financial support to communities to address issues such as vacancy and dereliction in rural towns.

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.