New Funding Stream to Support Local Authorities to Purchase Vacant & Derelict Buildings for Community Use
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, has announced a new funding stream to support Local Authorities to purchase vacant buildings which can be converted and developed for community use.
The funding, which is being made available under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, aims to support the continued regeneration of our rural towns and villages so that they are attractive, vibrant places for people to live and work.
Priority will be afforded to projects that align with the objectives of “Our Rural Future” with a focus on:
- purchase of vacant properties/sites for community use
- enabling vacant and derelict buildings to be repurposed as community spaces / digital hubs
- developing vacant sites in towns and villages into parks, green spaces and recreational amenities
- development of outdoor dining spaces/plazas in town centres.
The Scheme typically funds rural towns and villages with a population of up to 10,000 people.
Larger rural towns with a population of up to 15,000 people may be eligible where the application is particularly strong and the project will have a significant impact on the town in question.
Full details of the Scheme will be published on the department’s website in the coming days.
This announcement forms part of the Our Rural Future Work Programme for 2022, which continues the focus on the renewal of our towns and villages and the continued expansion of our remote working hubs under the ConnectedHubs.ie platform.