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Minister Ring launches the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2019
From Department of Rural and Community Development
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Town and Village Renewal Scheme for 2019 to encourage increased residential occupancy in town centres – Minister Ring
Mr Michael Ring TD, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, today announced the launch of the 2019 Town and Village Renewal Scheme. The scheme supports the rejuvenation of rural towns and villages with populations of less than 10,000 people through projects that will have a viable, long-term benefit.
For 2019, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme will support projects which enhance the town or village centre environment. Building on the pilot scheme launched by Minister Ring in October 2018, it will also place a focus on initiatives which encourage increased residential occupancy in town centres.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is a key initiative under the Action Plan for Rural Development and is part of a range of measures to support the revitalisation of rural Ireland under the Government’s Project Ireland 2040 Rural Regeneration Programme.
Launching the 2019 scheme, Minister Ring said:
“The Town and Village Renewal Scheme has become an integral part of the Government’s drive to support rural Ireland. It provides funding of up to €200,000 for projects that make our towns more attractive places in which to live and work.
“Proposals seeking to develop initiatives to encourage town centre living will be particularly welcome, as will projects which stimulate economic activity between a town/village and its neighbouring townlands. I also encourage proposals which have clear positive impacts on a town or village in terms of place-making and town centre regeneration.
“Since the Town and Village Renewal Scheme was introduced in 2016, almost €53 million has been approved for over 670 projects across the country. These projects cover a range of activities, from improving the public realm, to job-creation initiatives such as the development of enterprise hubs and digital hubs. The 2019 scheme which I am announcing today will contribute further to the rejuvenation of rural towns and villages across Ireland.”
The Minister continued:
“The scheme is complementary to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund which will provide €1 billion over the next ten years for larger scale, collaborative and transformative projects that will result in a significant economic impact in rural towns and villages and their hinterlands. The minimum grant level under the Rural Regeneration Fund is €500,000.”
As in previous years, the scheme will be administered through the Local Authorities, who will be required to work closely with local communities and local businesses to develop and implement proposals that can make a lasting impact in revitalising rural towns and villages across the country.
Full details of the scheme will be issued to the Local Authorities in the coming days.
In announcing the launch of the 2019 scheme, Minister Ring said:
“The Town and Village Renewal Scheme supports my Department’s mission to promote rural and community development and to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland. It will help build the resilience of rural communities in the face of Brexit and can also contribute to the transition to a low-carbon economy through measures based in town centres. I would particularly welcome applications this year from towns and villages that are most in need of support, and towns that did not apply or were unsuccessful in the past.
“The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is now in its fourth year and is a demonstration of the Government’s commitment to supporting rural Ireland in a very practical way. I look forward to announcing successful applications later in the year.”
