I propose to take Questions Nos. 648 to 650, inclusive, together.
The Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) was launched as part of Project Ireland 2040 to support the compact growth and sustainable development of Ireland’s five cities, regional drivers and other large urban centres. It is a rolling, multi-annual fund, with €2 billion available to 2027.
I announced 88 successful proposals in November 2018, details of which are published on my Department's website at the following link: www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/urdf_-_2019_funding_allocations_0.pdf
Funding of €100 million has been allocated in respect of the 88 successful proposals, combining both category A and B projects, of which a significant amount of expenditure will be incurred in 2019 with some arising in 2020. My Department has been actively engaging with successful applicants on the detailed progression of their proposals in 2019. This process will be finalised shortly, following which project conditions and formal grant agreements will be concluded. I am satisfied at this point that the 2019 allocation of €58 million will be spent in full this year.
The progression of successful proposals under the Fund is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant applicant. A key feature of this Fund is continued collaboration, whether between Government Agencies, local authorities, communities and other stakeholders, and I am satisfied that there will be sufficient flexibility within this process to facilitate efficient and effective delivery of projects over the course of this programme, subject to the relevant statutory processes as regards any necessary property acquisitions.
It is expected that a second call for proposals for 2020 funding will be launched later in Q1 2019 and a workshop for applicants will be organised in advance. It is envisaged that this application period will run until summer 2019.