Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
50. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the timeline for the issue of approvals under the acquisition measure of the town and village renewal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53310/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland.
The Building Acquisition Measure was launched in 2022 under the TScheme to allow local authorities to purchase vacant and derelict buildings for future development as community assets. Following the success of the measure in 2022 it was made available again in 2023 to purchase vacant and derelict buildings to bring them back into use as multi-purpose community spaces. The measure was subsequently broadened in 2025 to permit additional types of acquisitions, becoming the Building and Land Acquisition Measure.
On the 29 April last, a Call for Proposals under the 2026 Building and Land Acquisition Measure was announced. Local authorities were invited to submit up to three applications for vacant or derelict buildings or land with funding available of up to €500,000. The closing date for receipt of applications to the Department was the 29 May.
The Scheme is heavily subscribed, and all applications received are being competitively assessed for suitability against scheme criteria and objectives. Other factors such as the geographical spread of projects, the quality of the proposed projects, and the available budget will also be considered to maximise the impact of this funding.
Assessment of these applications is nearing completion, and local authorities will be informed of the successful applications within the coming weeks. For reasons of commercial sensitivity, details of individual projects receiving support under this Measure will be released only after the purchase of the properties or lands in question have been completed.
