A new policy has been launched which aims to empower Irish communities with the tools to create towns and villages they are proud of.

The Government's Town Centre First policy seeks to support, enable and inspire communities to be active participants in the heritage-led regeneration of their towns and villages. This in turn will reinvigorate independent retail and promote town centre living, supporting local economic resilience through the co-creation of liveable, vibrant, nature-friendly urban spaces. It will also help put communities at the centre of the planning and decision-making process through citizen-led 'Town Teams'. They will be supported by a dedicated Town Regeneration Officer and the local authorities and backed with government funding.

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A Town Centre First approach focuses on revitalising and regenerating town centres by bringing vacant and derelict buildings back into use and creating new opportunities for unused lands that will encourage more people to live and work within our rural towns and villages.

Launching the policy today, 04 February, Minister of State with responsibility for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD said: "I'm delighted to launch the Town Centre First policy today with Minister Humphreys and Minister Burke. This is an important step towards empowering our communities to create towns and villages we want to live in and be proud of. Architecturally, culturally and socially, the Irish town is unique in European terms. For far too long, we have turned our backs on this important heritage."

A spokesperson for the Green Party, which has long advocated for a Town Centre First approach to rural regeneration and sustainable development, Steven Matthews TD added: "I'm delighted to see that the policy launched today means that businesses and residents will be able to access funding and supports for building adaptations and renovations through a 'one-stop-shop' in each local authority. Town Centre First is a key objective of the Green Party. We have advocated for a Town Centre First approach for many years and ensured that it was included in the Programme for Government."