Minister for Rural and Community Affairs Heather Humphreys said a plan to "breathe new life" into towns and villages will see the conversion of former garda stations, post offices, and schools for community use.

The minister claims that by allocating €4.5 million in funds for 24 initiatives, she will lessen vacant properties and dereliction in rural areas.

"We are taking rundown buildings and turning them into facilities that will benefit communities for generations to come," she stated.

She said that this would "drive footfall" into town centres, boosting tourism and improving community quality as "better places to live, work, invest, visit, and raise a family" for towns and villages.

One of the initiatives is the transformation of an ancient garda barracks in Bellacorrick, County Mayo, into a hub for remote work and fitness.

Three locations a former parish hall in Finglas, Dublin; a former tavern in Tipperary town; and a former bakery in Belturbet, Co. Cavan will all be transformed into multipurpose community spaces.