Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2025

This initiative offers three funding streams:

• Main Scheme
• Project Development Measure
• Building or Land Acquisition Measure

Expressions of Interest for Projects Under the Main Scheme

Clare County Council is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for projects under the Main Scheme, which provides funding for capital projects that regenerate town and village centres.

Funding Details – Main Scheme

• Minimum grant: €50,000
• Maximum funding per local authority (single application): €500,000
• Funding ceiling for up to three additional applications: €300,000 each
• Funding contribution: Up to 90% of the total project cost (with 10% provided by the applicant)
• Project timelines:
  • Projects funded up to €300,000 must be completed within 18 months.
  • Projects over €300,000 have an extended completion period of 24 months.
• Planning and assessments: Feasibility studies, planning permissions (if required), and other assessments must be in place before submission.

Project Focus Areas

Expressions of interest should be well-prepared and clearly demonstrate a strong need for investment, delivering good value for money and significant positive outcomes that will greatly benefit the town or village. Proposed projects must align with key government policies, including Our Rural Future, Town Centre First, and the County Development Plan. Eligible initiatives include:

• Town centre regeneration
• Development of plazas and green spaces
• Recreational amenities in town/village centres
• Streetscape enhancements
• Town/village centre markets
• Community centre upgrades or refurbishments
• Repurposing vacant or derelict buildings into community spaces
• Supporting sustainable Gaeltacht and island communities

Expressions of Interest for Projects under the Project Development Measure

Clare County Council is also inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for projects under the Project Development Measure (PDM).

The PDM provides funding of up to €50,000 per project to assist local authorities in developing a pipeline of well-planned, strategic projects that can be efficiently progressed to construction, subject to further funding availability.

Each PDM application must cover the costs associated with developing a single, future medium-to-large-scale project, such as:

• Detailed design work
• Planning preparation (including feasibility studies, environmental assessments, procurement readiness, etc.)

Approval of funding under PDM does not guarantee future funding for project delivery under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

Funding Details – Project Development Measure

• Maximum funding per project: Up to €50,000
• Maximum grant level: 90% of the total project cost (with a required 10% contribution)
• Maximum applications per local authority: Two

Project proposals must be developed in consultation with Town Teams (where these exist) and/or local town/village community and business interests. Community and business involvement is a key feature of successful applications. Projects should align with a Town Centre First Plan, County Development Plan, Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP), or other relevant strategic/statutory plans.

How to Submit an Expression of Interest

Expressions of Interest can be submitted from Friday, 11th April 2025 – 4:00 p.m Friday, 30th May 2025.

To apply:

1. Read the Scheme Outline carefully.
2. Complete the relevant Expression of Interest Form:
   • Main Scheme Form
   • Project Development Measure Form
3. Submit your form to townandvillage@clarecoco.ie.

Important Note

The deadline for submitting Expressions of Interest to Clare County Council differs from the Department of Rural and Community Development’s deadlines. This allows the Council to review and shortlist projects before submission to the Department. Final funding decisions rest with the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Need Help?

For queries regarding the 2025 Town and Village Renewal Scheme, email townandvillage@clarecoco.ie.