Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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2689.To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on an application for funding (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32493/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS), introduced in 2016, is one of several measures designed to rejuvenate Ireland's towns and villages. Since the scheme's launch, over €177 million has been allocated to almost 1,800 projects across Ireland.

In line with the commitment in Our Rural Future, TVRS priorities are reviewed at the end of each scheme year to ensure that funding is targeted effectively to support vibrant and attractive communities and to respond to changing needs and opportunities.

The 2023 Scheme placed particular emphasis on projects that bring economic and social vibrancy to town centres in line with Government policies, which will encourage more people into town and village centres to work, live, socialise and spend time in.

On 29 April, I was delighted to announce €20.4 million in funding to support 82 successful projects under the 2023 Scheme. This included an allocation of €590,066 to support 4 projects in Co Cork.

Funding under the Scheme is awarded on a competitive basis, with all applications assessed for suitability against scheme criteria and objectives. Unfortunately, the project referred to by the Deputy did not achieve a high enough score to be funded under this year's scheme. I want to emphasise that the 2023 Town and Village Renewal Scheme was heavily subscribed and funding was allocated based on the quality of the proposed projects, the geographical spread of projects and the available budget.

Officials in my Department will provide feedback to Cork County Council which may be useful should they choose to submit this project under future iterations of the Scheme. The 2024 Town and Village Renewal Scheme is scheduled for launch in October of this year.