To identify enhancement opportunities and promote regeneration in towns and villages with District Councils, local communities and the private sector.

Some towns and villages show signs of economic stagnation and a lack of private investment. Run-down, dilapidated buildings and derelict sites may be evident. Opportunities for development will be identified in the preparation of development plans, to assist with guiding and promoting desirable development. District Councils and local communities will be involved, in association with the Department, in the identification of proposals for the enhancement and regeneration of their areas.

Enhancement strategies for the improvement of the environment in Conservation Areas will be promote regeneration produced, to encourage the economic regeneration of settlements through conservation of their special architectural or historic character. The association with Department is already co-operating with District Councils in conservation and regeneration projects.

In other settlements, the Department will contribute to environmental improvements and may assist community groups or private interests in regeneration projects. Proposals which improve sites can help to restore confidence and provide a stimulus for private investment in the vicinity and elsewhere. Regeneration activities in settlements in the most disadvantaged rural areas will be The Department is co-operating co-ordinated, where possible, with the actions of the with local communities in Department of Agriculture, to achieve maximum benefit conservation and regeneration for the settlement and its rural hinterland.