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Urban Regeneration and Development Fund

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020

Tuesday, 14 July 2020

Questions (395)

Alan Kelly

Question:

395. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of calls under the Project Ireland urban regeneration and development fund; and the timelines for the announcement of future funding under the fund. [14916/20]

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Written answers

Under Call 1 in July 2018, bids were invited from all public bodies for funding support from the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF). A total of 189 applications were received. The application process was competitive. All proposals went through a rigorous assessment including consideration by a Project Advisory Board, which consisted of representatives from my Department, other relevant Government Departments, agency representation and independent national and international expert representatives. On 26 November 2018, URDF support was announced for a total of 88 projects throughout the country, one of which was later withdrawn by the applicant.

In mid-2019 approval in principle and provisional funding allocations issued in respect of 87 major projects across the country. This significant pipeline of projects is set to have a transformational impact in urban areas across the country. The 87 projects approved under Call 1 offer a good regional spread, and span a number of themes. The diversity of this first tranche of projects demonstrates the broad focus and responsive nature of the Fund. Through the URDF, successful applicants are receiving targeted integrated support for innovative holistic solutions to the issues that have hindered the regeneration and rejuvenation of our large towns and cities.

While the advancement of each project is, in the first instance, a matter for the successful applicant my Department is working closely with them to ensure timely progress.

Call 2 was announced earlier this year and the closing date for applications was 29 May. Seventy six proposals were received, with every local authority submitting at least one application for URDF support.

Because of the nature of the URDF programme the proposals are very complex, and each will require detailed assessment. The assessment process will take place over the coming months with the intention that a new tranche of approved proposals, which will augment the existing pipeline of projects from Call 1 and contribute to the achievement of Programme for Government commitments and the objectives of the National Planning Framework and Project Ireland 2040, will be announced later in the year.

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