Dillon outlines FG’s blueprint for supporting rural communities
Fine Gael has today unveiled a comprehensive plan to support rural communities, emphasising a bold vision for the regeneration and development of rural towns and villages.
The policy package demonstrates Fine Gael’s deep commitment to rural Ireland, including Mayo, and builds on the party’s record of unprecedented investment in towns, villages, and parishes nationwide.
Speaking about the plan, Minister of State Alan Dillon TD said: “Fine Gael is the party of Rural Ireland. We have delivered unprecedented investment in towns, villages, and parishes across Mayo and the entire country.
Today, more people are living and working in rural Ireland than ever before. But challenges remain, and we are determined to meet them head-on.”
Speaking about the need to address dereliction in rural towns, Minister Dillon said: “Our policy places a major focus on combating vacancy and dereliction.
"By doubling the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund to €2 billion, we can deliver more large-scale, ambitious projects that will breathe life back into our rural towns and villages.
"We need to create spaces where businesses can thrive, families can settle, and communities can grow.”
The minister also highlighted the importance of housing in revitalising rural and urban parts of Mayo.
“We are introducing a €100,000 Town Centre Living Grant to support the renovation and conversion of ‘above the shop’ premises. These buildings have unique challenges, but they also have enormous potential.
"This grant will help transform vacant spaces into vibrant homes and businesses, strengthening the heart of our rural towns.”
"We want Connected Hubs to become more than just workspaces. These hubs will act as incubation spaces for local entrepreneurs and startups and will be landing zones for employees of FDI companies.
"This will help attract and retain talent in rural Ireland, supporting innovation and creating jobs.
“We will create 300,000 jobs over the next five years, working with our enterprise agencies we will ensure that the majority of these jobs are in the regions.
“The roll-out of the National Broadband Plan is critical. We will complete it on budget and on schedule by 2026, ensuring every home, business, and farm in rural Ireland has access to high-speed fibre broadband.
"Reliable connectivity is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity for growth, education, and opportunity.”
“Tourism is vital to rural economies. I have seen firsthand the economic benefits of projects like the Great Western Greenway in Mayo.
"We will invest more in greenways, blueways, forest parks, and mountain trails to make Mayo a brilliant destination for outdoor pursuits and adventure tourism. This investment will benefit local businesses and attract visitors from around the world.”