Kerry County Council is seeking ‘Expressions of Interests’ from groups/organisations who may have suitable projects for consideration under the Town & Village Renewal Scheme 2023.
This scheme has been developed by the Department of Rural and Community Development to support measures which rejuvenate rural and urban towns and villages throughout Ireland.
The 2023 Scheme is designed to support the revitalisation of rural Ireland through a renewed focus on town centre economic and social recovery and regeneration.
This will be achieved through projects focusing on town centre regeneration, enhancement of street-scapes, and bringing vacant and derelict buildings back into use as community multi -purpose spaces through refurbishment and renovation.
The following indicative list of activities will be eligible for funding under the 2023 scheme:
Regeneration projects that assist in revitalising our rural towns and villages in line with the Town Centre First Policy, through planned and sustainable regeneration and development of projects that will drive greater economic activity and footfall, address vacancy and dereliction and ensure the re-use of heritage and other existing buildings. (Footpath development/improvement projects will not be supported these can be financed through the Active Travel Investment Programme).
Acquisition of Land in Town Centres which supports Local Authorities for the development of town regeneration/community focused projects (to include possibly town parks/plazas, the development of surrounding properties already in Local Authority ownership etc).
Renovation or refurbishment to existing community centres. Where there is a clearly identified need / rationale – additional questionnaire applies in these cases.
Projects to support the establishment of town or village centre markets: Farmers markets, open-air markets, local trader markets, artisan markets or similar.
Projects to develop town/village centre plazas, public outdoor dining spaces, parks, green spaces including allotments and community gardens and recreational spaces/amenities to include outdoor sports facilities such as skate parks, basketball courts, tennis courts, etc.
Projects to support the upgrade and enhancement of shopfronts and street facades including murals in towns and villages.
Projects that bring vacant and derelict buildings and sites back into use as multi-purpose spaces.
Multi-purpose use includes enterprise spaces, arts, tourism, youth hubs and other community uses.
Projects that bring vacant properties in Town Centres back into use as Remote Working Hubs.
It will be required to clearly demonstrate that there is a demand for such a facility.This is designed to ensure there is a sound business case for a new hub.
Marketing campaigns targeted at attracting remote workers and mobile talent to their county/ region and promotion of specific town/villages to attract new customers and /or business investment.
Projects that support and enhance the night-time economy.
Enhancement of Heritage assets as in: local museums /tourist attractions focused on historical aspects of the area, heritage sites/buildings located in towns and villages, including energy efficiency measures.
Council to Ascertain Levels of Interest
Kerry County Council at this early stage is trying to ascertain the potential level of interest and the type/nature of projects that may be eligible under the scheme.
All Expressions of Interest will be assessed based on the priorities as contained in the Scheme Outline.
All interested groups/organisations must complete an Expression of Interest Form and return by email to community@kerrycoco.ie or by post to: Community, Arts & Culture Department, Kerry County Council, County Buildings, Rathass, Tralee, Co. Kerry no later than Wednesday, September 6th 2023.
Deadlines Set
The deadline is set to allow all applications to be assessed in advance of the Local Authority submitting final applications to the Department of Rural and Community Development by November 10th 2023.
The Scheme Outline and Expression of Interest form attached sets out the detailed requirements under the Town & Village Renewal Scheme 2023.
The Scheme details are also available on Kerry County Council’s website on: https://www.kerrycoco.ie/town-village-renewal-scheme-2023/
You’re advised to contact your local Municipal District Office with your queries or send an email to: community@kerrycoco.ie
Please Note That….
Please note that any extension of the closing date cannot be facilitated in any circumstance.
The process is competitive as there is a limit on the number of submissions that Kerry County Council can submit to the Department.
The submission of an Expression of Interest does not guarantee a final application to the Department to consider the project for funding. Projects that are shortlisted to Application Stage will be formally notified by the Local Authority.
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