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Cork City Council Seeks Community Regeneration Projects Under Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2026

05/10/2026

Cork City Council is pleased to invite Expressions of Interest for the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) 2026, funded through Project Ireland 2040 and administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development. The scheme is a key measure supporting the objectives of Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First Policy, providing investment to revitalise town and village centres, enhance community infrastructure, improve public spaces, and bring vacant and derelict buildings back into productive use.

 

While the primary focus of the 2026 scheme remains on smaller towns and villages, a new pilot initiative has been introduced to support eligible traditional urban towns and villages located within larger metropolitan areas. Cork City Council therefore invites project proposals from communities and organisations in eligible locations across the city administrative area that can contribute to sustainable regeneration, economic vitality, and improved quality of life.

 

The scheme is primarily targeted at towns and villages that meet the eligibility criteria set out by the Department of Rural and Community Development. Within Cork City, this includes settlements such as Blarney, Tower, Kerry Pike, Glanmire, Upper Glanmire and Killeens, together with any additional locations deemed eligible under the 2026 pilot measure for traditional urban towns and villages within metropolitan areas.

 

Applicants who are unsure of their eligibility are encouraged to contact Cork City Council prior to submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).

 

Funding is available under two streams: 

 

  1. Main Scheme 

The Main Scheme supports capital projects that contribute to the renewal and revitalisation of towns and villages, including:

 

  • Driving town centre regeneration;
  • Supporting town/village centre plaza development;
  • Developing green spaces/recreational amenities in town or village centres;
  • Including an emphasis on climate action elements;
  • Enhancing streetscapes;
  • Supporting the provision of infrastructure (e.g. public realm works to facilitate town or village centre markets;
  • Upgrading/refurbishing community centres;
  • Bring vacant and derelict buildings back into use as multi-purpose community centres.

 

  1. Project Development Measure (PDM)

The Project Development Measure supports local authorities in developing a pipeline of strategic, investment-ready projects capable of progressing efficiently to construction stage when funding becomes available. Eligible costs may include:

 

  • Feasibility studies and option appraisals;
  • Detailed design and technical assessments;
  • Preparation of planning and statutory consent applications;
  • Procurement preparation and tender documentation;
  • Climate action assessments and sustainability measures; and
  • Environmental and other appropriate assessments required to advance project delivery.

 

Number of Applications and Key Dates

Under the 2026 Town and Village Renewal Scheme, Cork City Council may submit applications under the following funding streams:

  • the Main Scheme where one application can be submitted by a Local Authority for €500,000
  • the Main Scheme where grant funding for projects will range from €50,000 to €300,000. Three applications can be submitted by each Local Authority;
  • applications made under the Project Development Measure with funding of up to €50,000 available per project. 2 applications per Local Authority.

 

Application Process

Applications under both the Main Scheme and the Project Development Measure must be submitted to the Department by close of business on Friday, 22 January 2027.

 

To allow sufficient time for project assessment and prioritisation, interested groups and organisations are first required to complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) form and submit it to economicdevelopment@corkcity.ie no later than 5.00pm on Friday, 30 October 2026.

 

Further Information

Expression of Interest forms and additional information on the scheme can be obtained by:

 

  • Email: economicdevelopment@corkcity.ie
  • Telephone: 021 238 9856

 

Applicants are encouraged to engage with Cork City Council at an early stage to discuss project eligibility, alignment with scheme objectives, and funding requirements.

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