O’Shea Urges Cork North West Communities to Seize Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2026 Opportunity

Deputy encourages local community groups to submit Expressions of Interest before November 13th deadline

Deputy John Paul O’Shea TD has called on community groups, voluntary organisations and local stakeholders throughout Cork North West to consider submitting an Expression of Interest for the 2026 Town and Village Renewal Scheme, which offers significant funding opportunities to revitalise towns and villages across rural Ireland.

Cork County Council has opened the call for Expressions of Interest for projects that will make towns and villages more attractive, sustainable and vibrant places to live, work and visit.

The scheme, funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development, places a strong emphasis on tackling vacancy and dereliction, increasing footfall in town centres and supporting the regeneration of rural communities.

Deputy O’Shea said there was a real opportunity for communities throughout Cork North West to put forward ambitious and practical ideas that could make a lasting difference to their local areas.

“I would strongly encourage community groups, tidy towns committees, voluntary organisations and other local stakeholders throughout Cork North West to examine the opportunities available under the 2026 Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

“Our towns and villages have enormous potential, and local communities are often best placed to identify the projects that would make the greatest difference to their areas. Whether it is regenerating a vacant building, improving public spaces, developing recreational amenities or enhancing community facilities, this scheme can provide valuable support to turn good ideas into reality.

“Addressing vacancy and dereliction is particularly important. We need to make better use of existing buildings and spaces in our town centres, attract more people into our towns and villages, and ensure that our rural communities remain attractive places to live, work, shop and socialise.

“I would encourage groups to start considering their proposals now and to engage with Cork County Council to explore what might be possible. Even if a project is not yet fully developed, the scheme provides an opportunity to seek support for the preparatory work needed to develop a strong application for future funding.”

Under the 2026 scheme, towns and villages with populations of fewer than 10,000 people are eligible to apply, while towns with populations of up to 15,000 may also be considered where a high-quality application is received.

Grant funding of between €50,000 and €500,000 is available for projects under the main scheme. In addition, funding of up to €50,000 per project is available for pre-development costs, helping communities develop proposals for future funding opportunities.

Previous rounds of the scheme have supported a wide variety of initiatives across County Cork, including community facility development, public realm improvements, playground enhancements, walking trails and the regeneration of vacant buildings.

Deputy O’Shea added “This is an opportunity for communities from Kanturk to Macroom and from Charleville to Millstreet and our smaller villages throughout Cork North West to think about what would improve their area and help secure its future.

“Strong local projects can have benefits well beyond the initial investment. They can improve the appearance of our towns, strengthen community spirit, encourage local enterprise and help create more welcoming and sustainable places for future generations.

“I would urge interested groups not to leave it until the last minute. The Expression of Interest forms and scheme outline are available on the Cork County Council website, and I encourage everyone with a worthwhile proposal to explore the opportunity.”

The closing date for Expressions of Interest is 5pm on Friday, 13 November 2026.

Community groups can access the scheme outline and Expression of Interest forms through the Cork County Council website at www.corkcoco.ie