Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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589. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if funding is available to develop a town park following the fabulous gesture by a family (details supplied) to donate approximately 16 acres of land on the banks of the River Laune in Killorglin, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31524/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The full range of funding made available through the various scheme delivered by my Department and the criteria attached to each can be found at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development-and-the-gaeltacht/collections/funding-allocated-by-the-department/

A number of these schemes have previously supported the provision of park facilities for example the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS), the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Outdoor Recreation and Infrastructure Scheme.

TVRS was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages across Ireland in line with the objectives contained in Our Rural Future, Ireland's Rural Development Policy, and the Town Centre First policy. Since the launch of the scheme over €177 million has been allocated to almost 1,800 projects nationally. Of this, Kerry has been allocated almost €7 million for projects throughout the county.

In line with Government Policy, TVRS funding approved in 2024, after the last call for applications, placed particular emphasis on projects that bring economic and social vibrancy to town centres. Projects to develop town or village centre plazas, public outdoor dining spaces, parks, green spaces including allotments and recreational spaces were supported to make them vibrant hubs for community enjoyment.

The 2025 scheme is currently open for applications via local authorities with a closing date for applications of 25 July 2025. Recognising that the need for outdoor recreational spaces for communities still exists, projects to develop town or village centre parks may again be supported under the 2025 scheme.

TVRS is administered through local authorities, who work closely with local communities and businesses to develop projects that best meet the needs of these communities and bring long-lasting, positive impacts to rural towns and villages. The Killorglin community together with their local authority may wish to consider developing a project in respect of the lands referred to by the Deputy.