Funding of up to €13 million is being made available to enable local authorities to acquire vacant and derelict buildings or lands for community spaces.

Under the initiative, local authorities can apply for funding of up to €500,000, which can be used to purchase up to three buildings or sites to re-develop into multi-purpose community facilities or infrastructure.

The funding, under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, is designed to make towns and villages "more attractive places in which to live, visit, invest and raise a family", according to the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

Minister Dara Calleary has today (Wednesday, April 29) announced a new call for proposals under the Building and Land Acquisition Measure of the scheme.

Regenerate rural areas

Minister Calleary said: “The Building and Land Acquisition Measure is one of a suite of supports that my department has put in place to support local communities in their work to regenerate rural towns and villages and to enhance the vibrancy of rural places. 

“I am committed to ensuring that we build on the unprecedented levels of investment that have been put in place in recent years.”

Minister of State Jerry Buttimer said the funding "represents a real opportunity for local authorities and communities to work together to transform vacant and underused buildings into vibrant, multi-purpose spaces that meet local needs".

"By bringing these properties back into active use, we are not only enhancing the physical appearance of our towns and villages, but also creating places where people can connect, collaborate and build stronger communities," Minister Buttimer said.

This follows on from the 2025 Building and Land Acquisition Measure which saw the purchase of former station houses, national schools and town centre sites for future development into useful modern community spaces.

'Hugely positive impact'

In opening the 2026 Building and Land Acquisition Measure call for proposals today, Minister Calleary encouraged councils to "work with communities in pinpointing buildings or land that meet their needs".

Minister Calleary stated: "This initiative is already having a hugely positive impact right across rural Ireland.

“Given the success of this Building and Land Acquisition measure to date, including the acquisition of 24 properties under the 2025 scheme, I’m delighted to now announce the availability of further funding.

“Today, I’m inviting all eligible local authorities to submit up to three buildings or lands for purchase, and we will provide them with funding of up to €500,000 to do so.

“Buildings or lands purchased will be taken into public ownership and, most importantly, will be turned into spaces where the local community can gather and hold events.”