Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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394. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if tendering is a requirement when it comes to awarding contracts for works such as painting under the town enhancement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53795/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The €7 million Streetscape Enhancement Initiative, which is a commitment in Our Rural Future, is designed to make around 120 of our rural towns and villages more attractive and welcoming places for locals and visitors alike. Property owners are being part funded to improve the facades of buildings, carry out artwork, and install features such as canopies and street furniture.

The initiative is being delivered by the Local Authorities on behalf of my Department, with considerable discretion provided to each Local Authority to design the scheme locally to meet their individual needs, while keeping within broad parameters contained in the scheme outline developed by my Department.

The scheme outline developed by my Department for the Streetscape Enhancement Initiative requires that, at a minimum, 2 quotations are sought from contractors for each project, rising to 3 written quotations for contracts above €5,000 as per Public Procurement Guidelines. Thereafter, the exact procurement arrangements introduced in each county is a matter for each Local Authority and should be in keeping with National Public Procurement Guidelines.