Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 February 2026
29. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the number properties have been purchased nationally to date under the town and village renewal scheme’s building and land acquisition measure, which allows local authorities to purchase vacant or derelict buildings for regeneration; and the number of these acquisitions that have taken place in County Mayo. [8715/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme was introduced in 2016 and is designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Over €210 million has been allocated to over 1,900 projects since the launch of the scheme.
In 2022, a new Buildings Acquisition Measure was introduced within the scheme. This saw an amendment to the scheme’s criteria to allow the provision of support to local authorities to acquire derelict or vacant buildings with a view to the later development of these buildings for community use. Following engagement with the local government sector, the scheme’s criteria was subsequently widened further to allow the purchase of land in town and village centres under the Building and Land Acquisition Measure. These Measures have now funded to completion 73 projects centred on the purchase of town centre buildings or plots of land for subsequent development for community use.
These projects have seen the purchase of a range of vacant and derelict buildings which are of strategic and cultural importance in rural towns. This includes old bank buildings, school buildings, cinemas, and parish halls. I remain committed to ensuring that my department's schemes continue to support town regeneration projects across rural Ireland.
