Exciting times for towns across the country.
The Government is set to re-develop 36 derelict and vacant properties nationwide into new community hubs.
Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys approved the move, which is set to cost the state €7.5 million.
The programme, as part of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, will see former banks, Garda stations and courthouses taken into public ownership and reconverted into hubs.
The list of the first collection of buildings to be renovated under the initiative have been revealed.
Some of the purchased buildings are:
- The former Garda Station in Tarmonbarry and Ballintubber, Co Roscommon.
- The former Courthouse in New Ross and former Bank of Ireland Building at Rosslare Harbour, Co Wexford.
- The former Bank of Ireland Building in Rathkeale, Co Limerick.
- The former Garda Station in Ashford and the former Bank of Ireland Building in Carnew, Co Wicklow.
- The FCA Hall in Mitchelstown, Co Cork.
- The former Bank of Ireland Building in Cootehill, Co Cavan.
- A former commercial property in Athenry, Co Galway.
Further properties are set to be announced to be part of the scheme once local authorities have finalised the sale.
“This scheme is all about tackling the scourge of vacancy and dereliction in our rural towns and villages," Minister Humphreys said.
“It’s about taking those old run-down buildings that have been lying idle for far too long. Now, they will be given a new lease of life and converted into community hubs.
“The list I am publishing today includes old Garda stations, bank buildings and even a former Courthouse.
“These will now be taken into public ownership and, most importantly, will be turned into spaces where the local community can gather and hold events.
“This initiative goes to the heart of what ‘Our Rural Future’ is all about – regenerating our towns and villages and making them better places to live, work and raise a family."
