Fine Gael TD for Cork East and Minister of State at the Department of Justice, David Stanton has welcomed the newly announced framework for Town Centre Renewal and said that it will be of enormous benefit to towns and villages throughout East and North Cork.
The framework, announced last week by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’ Connor in Sligo, addressed the need for greater collaboration and support for the renewal of town centres across the country. Particular emphasis is placed on the role that the business community can play in conjunction with local authorities, and other key stakeholders, in setting a town on a sustainable path towards vitality and vibrancy.
Minister Stanton said: “The framework is important as it will assist in the rejuvenation of towns and villages around Ireland and will work towards ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are felt across the country.
“It sets out the key characteristics of a successful town centre, identifying existing supports and best practice examples from around the country. Most importantly, the framework includes an Action Plan that is intended to be a blueprint for towns and villages, guiding them through the process of stakeholder engagement, conducting a town centre health-check and preparing a Town Centre Plan.
Minister Stanton concluded: “Over the past number of years, the Irish economy has made a strong and sustainable recovery with over 200,000 more people in employment since the Government launched its Action Plan for Jobs in 2012. In keeping with this strengthening of the economy, the Government is committed to providing supports that will assist towns and villages revitalise their centres and improve them overtime.”
