Cork City Council Invites Expressions of Interest for Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2026

Cork City Council has opened Expressions of Interest for the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) 2026, which supports projects to revitalise town and village centres. Groups and organisations must submit their forms by 5.00pm on Friday 30 October 2026.

The scheme is funded through Project Ireland 2040 and administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development. It supports the objectives of Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First Policy, with investment aimed at enhancing community infrastructure, improving public spaces, and bringing vacant and derelict buildings back into productive use.

The primary focus of the 2026 scheme remains on smaller towns and villages. A new pilot initiative has also been introduced for eligible traditional urban towns and villages located within larger metropolitan areas. Within Cork City, eligible settlements include Blarney, Tower, Kerry Pike, Glanmire, Upper Glanmire and Killeens, along with any additional locations deemed eligible under the 2026 pilot measure. Applicants who are unsure of their eligibility are encouraged to contact Cork City Council before submitting.

Funding is available under two streams. The Main Scheme supports capital projects that contribute to the renewal and revitalisation of towns and villages. These include town centre regeneration, plaza development, green spaces and recreational amenities with an emphasis on climate action elements, streetscape enhancement, infrastructure such as public realm works to facilitate town or village centre markets, and the upgrading or refurbishing of community centres. Vacant and derelict buildings can also be brought back into use as multi-purpose community centres.

The Project Development Measure (PDM) supports local authorities in developing a pipeline of strategic, investment-ready projects that can progress efficiently to construction stage when funding becomes available. Eligible costs may include feasibility studies and option appraisals, detailed design and technical assessments, planning and statutory consent applications, procurement preparation and tender documentation, climate action assessments and sustainability measures, and environmental and other appropriate assessments.

Under the 2026 scheme, Cork City Council may submit one Main Scheme application for €500,000. It may also submit three Main Scheme applications, with grant funding ranging from €50,000 to €300,000. Under the PDM, up to €50,000 is available per project, with two applications per local authority.

Applications under both streams must be submitted to the Department by close of business on Friday 22 January 2027. To allow time for assessment and prioritisation, interested groups must first complete an Expression of Interest form and send it to economicdevelopment@corkcity.ie by 5.00pm on Friday 30 October 2026.

EOI forms and further information are available by email at the same address or by telephone on 021 238 9856. Applicants are encouraged to engage with Cork City Council early to discuss eligibility, alignment with scheme objectives, and funding requirements.