Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
23. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when it is intended that the town and village renewal scheme will open to communities for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53271/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme (or the TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. As such, it is a core component of my department's Rural Development Investment Programme.
Since the launch of the scheme over €210 million has been allocated to over 1,900 projects nationwide. TVRS is delivered in partnership with local authorities and primarily targets funding at areas with populations of less than 10,000 people. Applications for towns with populations of up to 15,000 people are also accepted where the project is of a high quality, displays good value for money and has the potential to significantly benefit the town.
I announced the most recent round of funding under the 2025 Scheme in December of last year, where €26.2 million was allocated to 116 projects. This included funding of €1.4 million for 8 projects in County Cork.
In April I announced a new call for proposals under the Building and Land Acquisition Measure of the Scheme. Assessment of these applications is currently ongoing, and local authorities will be informed of the outcome of this process shortly.
Priorities for the Scheme are reviewed and updated at the end of each scheme cycle. The details of the next iteration of the scheme are currently being developed, with a view to seeking further applications for funding later this year.
