On May 27, 2022 in Ireland, Heather Humphreys TD launched a new funding stream to help Local Authorities purchase vacant and derelict buildings that could be repurposed and renovated to support local revitalization efforts, especially by transforming them into community facilities. This boosts both social and economic regeneration.
This is a common-sense initiative that virtually every state and nation of the planet should copy.
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.
Local Authorities encouraged to engage with community groups, town teams and local Chambers of Commerce to identify suitable reusable properties.
Humphreys is the Minister for Rural and Community Development.
Announcing the launch of the initiative, she said “Our Rural Future, the Government’s ambitious policy for rural development, prioritises the regeneration and repopulation of our rural towns and villages – we want our towns to be attractive places where people want to live, work, socialise and raise a family.”
“I am providing specific funding to Local Authorities this year to identify and purchase vacant and derelict buildings in rural towns and villages so that these can be taken into public ownership and converted for community use and the public good,” she added.
“Under the new Building Acquisition Measure up to €400,000 will be available per local authority this year. I am encouraging Local Authorities to engage with communities, identify suitable properties, come up with a proposal for their future use and apply to my Department for the funding,” she continued.
“There are former bank buildings which could easily be converted into remote working hubs. Equally we know there are many community groups and voluntary organisations who need a space for local events and activities so let’s renovate and repurpose some of our old town centre buildings to accommodate them,” Humphreys concluded.
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; and
- Development of Outdoor Dining Spaces/Plazas in town centers.
The program 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.
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 remote working hubs under the ConnectedHubs.ie platform.
Photo of rural Irish town courtesy of Asdee Development.