Under Project Ireland 2040, the Government has committed €1 billion to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund over a 10 year period to support rural economic development and help build strong communities. The Fund has been allocated €315m over the period 2019 to 2022 and the various allocations over that period will be confirmed as part of the annual budgetary process. Certain projects under the fund are multi-annual and this will also be provided for.
Discussions have and do take place between the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department on a regular basis, in relation to expenditure. The allocation for the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund was €55 million for 2019. I do not expect the overall 4 year allocation for the Fund to be impacted by any re-profiling taken to address capital funding shortfalls elsewhere, including the National Children's Hospital. My Department remains focused on delivering on its mission with the aid of the vote allocated to us for that purpose. Indeed, in respect of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, an announcement will take place this week detailing the remaining successful projects from the first call under the Fund, with a second call for applications under the Fund taking place later in the year. I am satisfied that funding commitment is available to enable these projects to be delivered over the next four years.
