The Department of Rural and Community Development has announced a new €13 million fund nationally will be made available to tackle vacancy and dereliction in rural Ireland.

Under the initiative, Mayo County Council can apply for funding of up to €500,000 which they can use to purchase up to three properties to re-develop into multi-purpose community facilities.

“The funding, under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, is designed to make our towns and villages more attractive places in which to live, visit, invest and raise a family,” Deputy Michael Ring said.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Mayo County Council to apply for funding to purchase old buildings in the community and redevelop them.”

The call for applications is opening today.

“Mayo County Council have the opportunity to submit up to three properties for purchase. I would strongly encourage Mayo County Council to liaise with local communities in picking out specific buildings that are suffering from vacancy and dereliction and submit applications to purchase same” concluded Deputy Ring.