Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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2627. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development to include a property acquisition element to town and village regeneration schemes in County Kerry, that will allow the local chamber alliance committee or community council to acquire a property for the purpose of a community hub, tourist information office, public toilets, and so on, thereby addressing vibrancy, vacancy and dereliction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20431/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Town and Village Renewal Scheme places particular emphasis on projects that had a renewed focus on town centre economic and social recovery and regeneration.

On 19 March last I was delighted to launch the 2025 TVRS scheme which is now open for applications. Under this round of the TVRS and in a further effort to transform and regenerate town centres, the call for applications includes a ‘Building or Land Acquisition Measure’ element which allows local authorities submit applications to purchase up to 3 derelict or vacant buildings or pieces of land. This provides for a maximum grant of up to €500,000 for future development as community facilities. The closing date for receipt of applications under this measure is 2 May 2025, and applications are made via local authorities who work with community organisations to identify and develop suitable projects.