Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 February 2026
23. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the progress of the Town Centre First initiative in Galway east; his plans to support regeneration in towns and villages across County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7450/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Town Centre First Policy (or TCF) is a cross-government policy, which aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres.
Under TCF, funding is provided by my Department to local authorities, including Galway County Council, to employ dedicated Town Regeneration Officers. These officers work closely across teams in local authorities who are charged with responsibility of town regeneration. This includes new Capital Delivery Teams, who are also funded by my Department, Vacant Homes Officers, Broadband Officers and Night-Time Economy Officers.
Dedicated funding of over €7 million has also been provided under TCF. Included in this package of funding was support the development of 52 TCF Town Plans nationally, including in Gort and Athenry. The funding also helped establish Town Teams nationwide, including in Headford, An Cheathrú Rua, and Oranmore. These initiatives aims to support local communities in identifying and addressing the key issues in their own towns and communities.
Importantly, a range of capital funding streams is available to support delivery on Town Centre First objectives. For example, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund has allocated over €32 million to 20 projects across County Galway. Similarly, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme has awarded €8.5 million to 81 projects in County Galway.
Town Centre First is also supported by other funding measures available across Government. The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, who holds joint responsibility for the policy, also implements a suite of schemes including the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant under the Croí Conaithe initiative, and THRIVE - the TCF Heritage Renewal Scheme.
My Department will continue to work closely with colleagues in local authorities and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to deliver on the goal of revitalising rural towns and villages and addressing the issues of dereliction and vacancy.
