Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 October 2024
218. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the projects in east Galway that have been approved for funding under the town and village renewal scheme; the amount of funding received, for the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and the year to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43440/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Rural Future, Ireland's Rural Development Policy 2021 – 2025, represents the Irish Government’s blueprint for the sustainable development of rural Ireland. It sets out a vision for a thriving rural Ireland, and to that end establishes a strategic framework for the delivery of capital investment under my Department's Rural Development Investment Programme. The delivery of these actions will enhance the wellbeing and quality of life for people living in our rural towns and villages.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme over €177 million has been allocated to almost 1,800 projects. Of this just under €7 million has been allocated to 76 projects in County Galway.
In line with the policy commitments of Our Rural Future, TVRS priorities are reviewed at the end of each scheme year to ensure that funding is targeted effectively to support vibrant and attractive communities and to respond to changing needs and opportunities.
TVRS is administered through local authorities, who work closely with local communities and businesses to develop proposals that will bring long-lasting, positive impacts to rural towns and villages.
The 2023 Scheme placed particular emphasis on projects that bring economic and social vibrancy to town centres in line with Government policies, which will encourage more people into town and village centres to work, live, socialise and spend time in. At the end of April last, I announced €20.4 million in funding to support 82 successful projects under the 2023 Scheme, of which Galway has been allocated €750,000 for three projects.
Earlier this year, I launched a series of measures under the Town Centre First Suite of Supports to regenerate town centres. One such measure supports the completion of Project Development Measure (PDM) projects and on the 23 August 2024, I announced €2.6 million in funding to support 53 successful projects of which Galway has been allocated €148,925 for three projects.
The allocations in the table below include the amounts awarded to Galway under TVRS and the TCF Suite of Supports PDM.
The priorities for the 2024/25 TVRS are currently under review to inform the next iteration of the scheme which is provisionally scheduled to launch before the end of this year.
Details of projects allocated funding in Galway, including those in East Galway, are provided below:
